Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lee Beam, owner of The Gluten-Free Grocer, located in Williamstown, NJ, USA.

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

Sell retail groceries to the gluten-free, vegan, paleo, vegetarian, nut-free, and dairy-free clients.

Tell us about yourself

Started as a New Year resolution. Because gluten-free was too rare and hard to find, I started my own store of 400 sq. ft. Within a year, we expanded to 800 sq. ft. Three years later, we are at 1150 sq. ft. and still growing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Those persons come from 2-40 miles away to shop with us on a regular basis. Still in business after almost eight years.

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

Selling the product cheaply enough yet still getting a paycheck for myself.

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

  1. Do your homework. I mean, research what you are doing and know your customer and product(s).
  2. Being willing to stick it out through the hard times (like COVID).
  3. Be willing to diversify. Change or carry products that meet your client/customer needs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Education in your business area is the best weapon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theglutenfreegrocer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegfgrocer

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.