Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joseph Edogbeni, CEO of HEYRU, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

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

We're a proudly Manitoban company specializing in traditional hibiscus tea, Kenyan tea, and natural shea butter for skincare. Our vision behind HEYRU is bringing ethically-sourced earthy and natural products to people, particularly the local health and wellness market. Our customers value leading a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle and love to explore and try new and unique products from different regions. Supporting local small businesses is also a key consideration for our customers.

Tell us about yourself

Making a positive contribution to the local market is one of the most important cornerstones of our company's vision. Promoting a healthy lifestyle that's accessible to locals is important to us while doing it sustainably and responsibly. Our brand has a strong African identity, and we are proud that we can bring its valuable ingredients to the local community in Manitoba. We are pleased to introduce people to the wonderful raw ingredients that come from African Regions such as Kenya and Nigeria and let them explore the benefits to their health and wellbeing. We are happy that we can contribute to the rich diversity of Manitoba and specifically to the wide range of cultural traditions already found here.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's rewarding to hear and see people's positive responses to our products. It gives us reassurance and support to know that we are doing something valuable. We are proud to see our cultural traditions reach other people who may not be otherwise exposed to them.

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

There will be various moments in a business journey where you would face roadblocks or when your hands are tied. You would feel that only if you had one missing element, then everything would work out. But the reality is that roadblocks are always going to be there; what is most important is how you deal with them and find ways to improve your actions and decisions.

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

  1. Have a unique vision of what you want to create.
  2. Have a strong belief and confidence in your products and brand.
  3. Don't hesitate to try various strategies and take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

In the future, we see our company growing and evolving more as a natural health and wellness brand. We believe that our products can be seamlessly incorporated into any person's healthy and active lifestyle. Our values are important to us, and we will continue to be committed to our sustainable practices and minimize harmful impacts on the environment in all aspects of our business.

Going forward, we would love to expand into new and innovative skincare products, evolve in the natural and healthy baking sector using our ingredients, incorporate new ones, and continue to add to the rich diversity of our communities.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://shopheyru.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopheyru
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopheyru/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-edogbeni-89b2849/

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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