Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with D McGlown, Owner of Just Be Organic Smoothie Bar, located in Buford, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Just Be Organic Smoothie Bar offers smoothies, smoothies bowls, and açaí bowls. We have crafted a unique blend of tastes and flavors with a focus on healthy options, organic ingredients, and menu items filled with antioxidants. Our customers are all unique. Each one has their own style, selection of taste, and flavor, just like our smoothies. We try our best to offer a variety of flavors that are unique and healthy.
Tell us about yourself
Entrepreneurship has always been a goal for our family. We wanted to create a business that could benefit our family as well as have a positive impact on the community. We began seeking healthier food alternatives and meal replacements for almost a decade. In 2018, we began regularly replacing meals with smoothies and researching supplements with added health benefits for our smoothies. We also began planting the seed to one day open our own business.
In 2020, we decided to turn our love and passion for smoothies into a family business. Our motivation is our customers. Our goal is to help our guests progress in their wellness journey. We strive to support consumers who have adopted a healthy lifestyle and those looking for a change. We also intend to encourage others in the community to do the same.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, so far, our biggest accomplishment has been starting. We dreamed and even made plans and preparations to begin our business. After the pandemic, we became a little discouraged and were not sure about going further, with the economic impact of the pandemic being uncertain. However, we took a chance and stepped out on faith, and we are now closer to our dreams.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part that comes with being a business owner is finding reliable people. As a new business owner, you often put a lot of long hours into getting your business started. It is hard to find reliable people with the same passion, dedication, and desires that you have for your business, especially for a small, growing company. There are often times when you have obligations or deadlines that can’t be met due to depending on others and not getting the assistance you need.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just do it! If you can’t stop thinking about it, dreaming about it, and planning for it, jump in. It may be scary and uncertain, but you have to start, or it will only be a thought and, later on, maybe a regret (for not starting or not starting sooner).
- Don’t be afraid to fail. As a new business owner or planning for expansion/ tapping into new markets, don’t be afraid to fail. You might not have all the answers at first, but there is always room to learn and grow with your business.
- Have faith and patience. You may not achieve the level of success you envisioned in the beginning or may feel that you are putting in more than you are getting out of the business. However, be patient, and discover new ways to improve and market your brand. Learn from your mistakes or continue your path if it is working, but look for ways to improve your service to others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.justbeorganicsmoothies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbeorganicsmoothies/
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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