Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Swain, Co-Founder of Holistic Herb, Ltd., located in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a Midlands-based UK CBD and supplements company formed in 2018 and dedicated to bringing you truly outstanding CBD and cannabinoid products with a focus on safety, efficacy, bioavailability, and value for money.
We are thankful our customer base is broad and long, with many of them just curious about CBD and many, many others supplementing daily and reporting a wide range of well-being benefits.
Tell us about yourself
My business partner and I managed a horticultural wholesale business for six years prior to the formation of Holistic Herb, which gave us the opportunity to leverage the relationships and connections required when CBD started to emerge as a beneficial food supplement. It's a cliché, but family is my driver.
Both my daughters suffer from learning difficulties, and mainstream school has been a challenge for them. We home-educate, but our eldest has just decided to go back, so we look forward to supporting her with that transition.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting the business in August 2018, we were listed and stocked in Holland & Barrett's 700+ High street stores, online, and mobile by January 2019.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Always the uncertainty for me, that nagging thought or even imposter syndrome: "Should I be here?" "Are they going to find me out soon"? This is also one of my main drivers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose your team carefully, insist on thorough background checks, and don't be embarrassed to do so. Ultimately, your business is your team.
- Push yourself as much as you push others. It's the only way people respond in kind.
- Remind yourself daily of "why you are doing this" and "where you want to be."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://holisticherb.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistic.herbUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic.herb/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/holistic-herb-cbd/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-swain-b1707378/
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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