Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gayle Boulware, COO of Kine Industries LLC, located in Bend, OR, USA.

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

We are Kine Industries, and we make the cleanest, most-effective cannabinoid products available. We focus on sublingual administration (under the tongue or dissolved in the cheek) of 99.9% pure CBD, CBG, CBN lozenges, and tinctures. All of our products contain no THC, no sugar or artificial sweetener, and no artificial color or flavor. They are vegan and gluten-free, and organic and non-GMO where possible. Our goal was to make cannabinoids simple to understand, effective, and easy to take - without any unnecessary ingredients. Our customers are active people who care about what they put into their bodies and who want clear and transparent information on what is in the products and the testing to back that up.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the Entertainment Industry for over 30 years and have always been involved in branding and marketing. When Kine CEO Bobby Riganati and I decided to start Kine, we wanted to create cannabinoid products that we would take - and we do! Every time a customer of ours reaches out with a positive story on how one of our products benefitted them, it just reinforces our desire to continue creating clean, natural products that are as effective as they can be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment as business owners, I'd say, is the fact that we are still here... and growing! The CBD/non-psychoactive cannabinoid market is flooded with companies and products. The consumer has very little to help them navigate what products are effective and if they even contain what they say they do, and what is a reasonable price for that product? All new ventures are difficult and take more time and money than expected. We are very proud that our brand continues to grow and that we can have some small part in educating consumers on the various cannabinoids available and charge a fair and reasonable price for those products. We also pride ourselves on our transparency - all of our product testing is available to view on our website.

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

It takes longer and requires more funding than you think. And there will always be unexpected hurdles (COVID, anyone?). Do your projections and then triple them regarding time and money.

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

  1. Have a clear and concise picture of what your brand is and how you want it represented. Simple is better.
  2. More funding and a longer timeline. Be prepared for both.
  3. Talk to other business owners in your field (or others, there are always correlations) for advice and tips. Local groups - like Opportunity Knocks - are great for connecting entrepreneurs with each other.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Similar to building - measure twice and cut once - think through all of your brand strategies multiple times before you proceed. Ask for feedback from friends and consumers on your logo, packaging, messaging, etc., and don't be afraid to make changes if necessary. All businesses have an evolution.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getkine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KineCBD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinecbd/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xE0oKx

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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