Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lolli Leeson, Founder of Lees-onlife, located in Marblehead, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a certified health and culinary lifestyle coach. I help parents armor up against the toxic food culture that is all around us. I have effective tools and strategies to support parents in making the best healthy food choices. I have a range of customers, but many are busy working parents searching for peace of mind with support and tools and a nutritional anchor to help their kids thrive in life.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business 16 years ago. At the time, I was a busy mom, frustrated I couldn't get my kids to eat the rainbow diet I put in front of them. I was losing the battle. All I could get into my son was a frozen waffle with sticky syrup or some gross cereal that turned the milk pink. My son had attentional issues in school, and I was tearing my hair out, looking for a solution. What motivates me each day is there is a lot at stake in raising a healthy family, and the challenges are real.
My "straight talk" gets to the heart of these challenges almost all parents face with kids eating nutritionally well, so they can have an edge in life. Through a lot of education and having my own family struggles, I found effective foundational tools that would program my kids to gravitate to moving toward healthier foods. I also realized that if I didn't know this information, other parents didn't either, and my business was born. I knew in my "gut" this was a message worth talking about and fighting for. I have a professional chef's degree from the Cambridge school of culinary art and a health coaching degree from the Dr. Sears LEAN Institute. I am also an international Marketing director for The Juice Plus+ Company.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing a large team of like-minded advocates for this purposeful mission-driven work. We are educating and have set the standard in nutrition education, and it is making a difference and changing lives for the better. That feels really good when you can give back and also make a profit.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In my business, my team does not work for me. They work for themselves and their own goals. I have learned that you can only control what you do, not what someone else will do. I have a volunteer army, and it is up to other people what they are motivated to do. Keeping the flame lit to inspire others is the hardest part. People give up on themselves and don't have the self-confidence or patience to stay in the dance long enough. They give up too easily sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Think less about yourself and more about other people and your employees. What is best for them, not for you?
- Be the best example you can be. Your team will watch what you do, not what you say.
- Once you make a decision and you believe in your work and what you're doing, you are on fire. Nothing can stop you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lees-onlife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeesonLife/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lees_onlife/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lollijuicedup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lollileeson/
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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