Plastic And Paper Straws Suck! Ours Don’t.

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexey Savin, Founder of HAY! Straws, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our business is HAY! Straws are a company that produces eco-friendly and sustainable straws made from wheat and reed stems. Our customers are primarily restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and other businesses in the food and beverage industry that are looking for an all-natural and environmentally responsible alternative to plastic straws. We also serve environmentally conscious consumers who are looking for a sustainable and high-quality option for personal use.

Tell us about yourself

I was inspired to start this business because of my passion for sustainability and the environment. I was tired of seeing the negative impact that plastic waste was having on the planet, and I wanted to do something to make a difference. What motivates me each day is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet while also helping businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices. I'm proud to be a part of the movement toward more sustainable products and practices, and I'm excited to see the growing awareness and demand for eco-friendly solutions like HAY! Straws.

Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?

Work:
With everything going on post-COVID, our team at HAY! Straws decided to switch to the remote work lifestyle. My new work ritual? I try my best to wrap things up by 6 p.m. and make an effort not to check emails after that.

Wellness:
So, I've been on this wellness journey, experimenting with different eating habits. Right now, I'm all about intermittent fasting. Basically, I steer clear of food between 8 p.m. and 12 p.m.

Fitness:
Bright and early at 7 a.m., you'll find me hitting the gym. Whether swimming or cycling sessions, I'm available from Monday to Friday.

Mindfulness:
Camping trips and off-road adventures in my trusty Jeep are my go-to ways to hit reset. There's something about immersing myself in the great outdoors that helps me find my zen and recharge.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My product is being served at over 10K restaurants, bars, and hotels.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the level of responsibility and pressure that comes with running a company.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Develop a clear and realistic business plan.
Focus on customer needs and wants.
Build a strong team and company culture.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.haystraws.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haystraws/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asavin15/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HayStraws

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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