Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabrielle Mustapich, co-founder of Hardpops, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The original Hardpop was created one hot summer night back in 2017. My co-founder, Sheereen, and I were dipping popsicles in our wine in an effort to beat the heat. The idea came naturally and simultaneously. Why hadn't someone thought of this before? Well, they had, kind of. At the time, there was a brand or two out there starting to play on this concept of an alcohol-infused ice pop. But in our opinion, they were still missing the boat. We'd be the first to ditch the artificial flavors, dyes, and sweeteners and create a fresh new brand that screamed "we grew up together" (that's our working tag line, which I kind of love).
Hardpops was Canada's first boozy ice pop and remained the only all-natural one of its kind. Now, we're joining the quickly expanding category here in the US, where better-for-you options are still not widely known or available.
Our customers grew up with ice pops (aka freezies, otter pops, icys) and look back on those childhood memories as some of the best of their lives. The first time someone enjoys a Hardpop, we usually hear something along the lines of "this is so nostalgic." That's what it's all about. Aside from the nostalgic effect and being the perfect cool-down cocktail, some of the other "reasons to love" that we've heard from customers are that Hardpops offers a tamper-proof drink option or a way to participate without committing to a full cocktail. We love that.
Tell us about yourself
As far as entrepreneurship goes, I think I come by it honestly. My mum was an incredible example of what that means, so I was lucky enough to grow up with her entrepreneurial spirit and example as my guide. All throughout university, I'd sit in my lecture halls and instead of taking notes, I'd be creating websites for businesses and startups in Vancouver, where I'm from. It didn't help my GPA a whole lot, but it taught me more than I learned in my entire four years of university education.
Towards the end of my schooling, I was asked to join a startup that was co-founded by a university friend. I got a chance to lead the company's marketing and marketplace growth, learned how to hire and build a team, and got an intimate look at the cogs that make a startup turn. That was it; I had the entrepreneurial itch... I just didn't know what that was going to mean for me yet.
All throughout my university and startup adventures, I dabbled in freelance work as a web/graphic designer and photographer. I didn't know it at the time, but this was all building my toolset for launching Hardpops. When the time came to start building our boozy ice pop biz, we were able to keep everything in-house. From brand design and content creation to sales and marketing. Even manufacturing (but that's a whole other story). I'm entirely motivated by the possibilities of what we can create with Hardpops. To put it simply, I think it's incredibly cool to be in a position where creativity is not only rewarded emotionally but financially.
We get to test in real-time, whether that be with new flavors, content, or product line extensions. There's nothing more motivating than seeing someone enjoy what you created. I wish this for literally everyone. It's the best feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think I speak for both my co-founder and myself in saying that our biggest accomplishment is seeing customers enjoying Hardpops. The fact that total strangers are spending their hard-earned dollars on something we created because they see value and enjoyment in it... That's just magic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The highs and lows can be tough. Building a business is going to be very stressful sometimes. Keeping on trucking! Remember how good it feels to have a victory, big or small. And find yourself a team or a co-founder because when you have a win, sharing that feeling with someone is the ultimate feel-good moment. Makes it all worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First: just begin. It doesn't have to be perfect or polished - that part will come. I think where a lot of people get stuck sometimes; myself included, is feeling that something isn't "ready" yet. Just begin - you'll be surprised by your own momentum and pace once you've taken that first step.
Second: ask questions. It's unbelievable the amount of resources, knowledge, and support out there. Utilize it as much as you can. Start by following brands and founders who you admire. Connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and email. Get in on as many Zoom sessions/lunch-and-learns and meet-ups as you can. There's a culture of "building in public" that's never existed in this way before, and it's incredible. Some of my favorites (Twitter) are @kdlafrance, @DTCNewsletter, @codyplof, @eliweisss, and @mrsharma.
Third: believe in what you're doing, and believe in the outcome you want. Then, just go out there and do it. There is a sequence of events and choices that exist that will lead you to your goals. Find the path, and follow it one day at a time.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
So many people and fellow founders have shown us kindness and generosity along the way. If you're reading this, and you think there might be something I can help you with, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hardpops.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardpops/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmustapich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-mustapich/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.