Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emma Sandol Johnson, Owner of Johnson Consulting, located in Thrall, TX, USA.

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

My business is consulting in Food Safety and Food Science, which also includes new USDA and FDA regulations. My customers are small food processing plants that may not have a full-time person for their Food Safety and Quality Control.

Tell us about yourself

I started this business when I completed my Ph.D. in Food Science (1995). The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) was new in many food plants. My background with the USDA and managing a small meat lab at two universities gave me this experience. My motivation is meeting new people and providing a service.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was with my overseas trips for Farmer to Farmer and Christian Veterinary Missions to assist the small processors. I visited five countries and met with the head of their Agriculture and Food departments, and worked with food processors. These trips were pro bono.

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

Making contact with potential customers.

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

  1. Have a good business plan.
  2. Have finances to live on for at least the first year of your business.
  3. Attend as many conferences in your business field as you are able to.

Where can people find you and your business?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnsones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandol-johnson-ph-d-861a276/

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.