Plant-based options for the community

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Ruddell, owner of Kokomo, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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

We exist to support our community through accessible plant-based options for everyone (vegan or not!). But it's more than just food to us: it's about meeting people where they are at in their day, and with a safe, welcoming environment, people can just be themselves in. We support our community so they can lead big lives.

Tell us about yourself

I've always had a stupid amount of energy. And it became very important to me to use that energy actually to make an impact on people's daily lives. I had no idea what type of business I would create, but I knew it needed to support my community. This is what gets me out of bed each day - getting to support and connect with my community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Each day really feels like an accomplishment, haha. I'm not sure there is one single thing, but when I reflect back, it's whenever I've graduated to each new stage as an entrepreneur. It can feel like leveling up - you learn so much each day (through lots of failures), so once in a while, you look back and realize, woah! I've grown/ Kokomo has grown so much in the last few months/year. It's in the reflections that I feel like I've accomplished a lot / learned as a leader.

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

Although I feel a deeper connection with my community than I ever thought possible, being an entrepreneur is truly a lonely endeavor.

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

Have the courage to know when someone else can do it better and hire them / partner with them. This will give you the space to do what you do best as well.
Build a support group of entrepreneurs or learn to tell your friends how you'll need them to support you.
Cash is king - take all the money you can get, even if you just sit on it/ look at it in your bank account.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.heykokomo.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykokomo/
https://www.instagram.com/katieruddell/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heykokomo

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.