Goodies Sourced From Local Carolina Farms - Mabon
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adelise O'Kelley, owner of Mabon, located in Indian Trail, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mabon is a jam and simple syrup company that sources ingredients from local North Carolina farms. We also offer baked goods such as fruitcakes that are made from scratch and truffles for holidays. Our customers are the people that make up the community in our town and many others from all over North Carolina. We love our state and love catering to the people in it!
Tell us about yourself
I dove right into my business with the support of my husband, and he is what motivates me every day to do what I do. He is my biggest supporter (and taste tester) and has helped me grow my business in the short months it has been in operation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment so far has been being invited to pop-up shops in my area. Knowing that other businesses want me and my product there at their event to drive in business gives me the best confidence boost.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management! I still work a full-time job; apart from this, to fund Mabon plus, I still do all the extracurricular and volunteer activities I was doing before. Juggling what I need to do and what I want to do has been difficult, but recently I have gotten into my own rhythm. You just have to find a way that works best for you and stick to it. Continuity is key!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Funding, funding, funding. Make sure you have all your financial needs met and in order before diving into your business.
- Research what you need to start. Specifically for Mabon, there were a lot of licenses and training I did not even know was required (being a food business), so make sure you know your towns' and the federal governments' requirements or paperwork for you to fill out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It will be difficult when you first start out. There will be late nights and early mornings. But it will all be worth it when you see the look on people's faces when they try your product. Also, the feeling of making your first sale is the best ever. I wanted to jump up and down after mine!
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mabon.llc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabon_jams/
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.