Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ted Benzing, Founder of Hydrata Beverage Co., located in Media, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hydrata crafts top-notch electrolyte beverages from whole foods like lemons, coconuts, berries, cherries, and salt. No synthetic ingredients, no isolated nutrients, no added sugars, no fillers, and no junk! Our customers want to live an active, healthy lifestyle and also stay hydrated for all their adventures.
Tell us about yourself
I have always had a deep passion for health and nutrition. Hydration is a hidden key to long-term health, but the popular offerings like Gatorade are gross...loaded with sugar and cheap synthetic ingredients. We knew we could make a better hydration drink, so we did. I wake up every day to spread the word, create new flavors, and continue our success.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Crafting a powdered hydration beverage from 100% whole foods. It was tempting to cut corners and make a product with cheaper synthetic ingredients, but we stayed true to ourselves and succeeded in creating the purest and healthiest hydration drink on the market.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Figuring out where to spend money! Once you start up your business, you probably have some money to play with, but it is likely limited. It can seem very challenging to make ends meet at first. You will have to wait a few years before your business actually supports itself and maybe makes a profit. Before that, you will probably have to work for free and spend your own money very carefully. This can be challenging - be ready for it! And think...can I do this for free? Or do I have to pay a professional? You will be surprised at how much you can do for free with a little friend called Google.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you know the business landscape that you are entering. For example, if you don't drink coffee and have never worked as a barista...don't open a coffee shop!
- Get help where you need it. It is easy to find quick help these days using online tools. Let's say you need a logo and you have no graphic design experience. Hop onto Fiverr or UpWork and hire someone to do it. Efficient, easy, and oftentimes quite inexpensive.
- Do some research with potential customers. Friends and family are good for feedback, but they are biased! Write a quick survey, and buy some consumer samples, maybe N=300 responses or so, just to see if your idea has any legs at all. If you have no idea how to do this...hire a professional.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.drinkhydrata.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkhydrata
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.