Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alejandra Perez, Founder of IMA Blends, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
IMA Blends offers busy mothers a guilt-free food break with our line of non-dairy, organic, whole-ingredient snacks made with the highest-quality ingredients chosen for their taste and nutrition. Our brand creates a whimsical world where mothers can find joy, peace of mind, and nourishment through the simple pleasure of eating a delicious healthy snack. Our snacks are designed to be enjoyed as a treat and can be easily consumed on the go, providing a moment of relaxation and indulgence for mothers. It's a place to escape from the stresses of the outside world and find a moment of relaxation and indulgence.
Tell us about yourself
My biggest motivation is to help others. I am passionate about finding ways to make other people's lives easier in some way and figuring out how a product or brand can address a pain point or bring joy into someone's daily life. On the macro level, I see my entrepreneurial journey and what I am learning today as the stepping stone to becoming a mentor to others in the future, helping someone else's vision become a reality. On the micro level, I started IMA Blends wanting to help other moms who are struggling in their motherhood journey. I experienced firsthand specific nutritional needs and discomfort, nausea, constipation, and milk supply problems when breastfeeding — plus the pressure to be the perfect mother. I slowly discovered ways to make the journey easier, and I want to help other women achieve their full potential.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Bringing my product and idea to life: I embarked on a journey that started in my own kitchen. After months of research and collaboration with a food scientist and branding team, IMA Blends finally became a reality, transitioning from a mere idea to an actual product that will positively impact the lives of many mothers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being responsible for your own success, relying solely on one's motivation, and bringing yourself up Entrepreneurs face long hours, encounter obstacles they never anticipated, and face a lot of uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the reward of creating a unique path and making a meaningful impact makes it all worthwhile.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your intuition/ trust your instincts.
- Know your purpose (your why) and remind yourself of it.
- The journey will demand way more effort and take longer than you initially thought, but don't give up. Keep going, and you'll get there. Entrepreneurship is a matter of resilience, learning as you go, and pivoting when necessary. YOU CAN DO IT!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.imablends.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imablends/
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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