Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Parsons, founder of My Elderberry Fairy, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

I am the owner and operator of My Elderberry Fairy. We handcraft all-natural and healing tonics, syrups, sipping vinegars, loose-leaf teas, and bottled beverages.

Tell us about yourself

I am a mom first and foremost, and that is what led me to where we are with the business today. I was looking for a way to strengthen our immune systems when my children were small, and we were constantly fighting runny noses and all the germy kid's things. I wanted something natural and something that we could easily take daily. That's how I learned about Elderberry. I started by making a batch of Elderberry syrup, bottled it up, and started taking it daily. We noticed a big difference that next cold and flu season! And from there, Elderberry became a staple in our home.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, taking the first step was such a big decision. Everything I have learned along the way to help scale up production while still maintaining the quality of ingredients and intention behind every product feels huge. Working at local farmer's markets every weekend has also allowed me an opportunity to meet customers directly and build a true sense of community every weekend. Meeting our customers has also afforded me an opportunity to expand our product line, based on what I noticed that customers really liked. In just a couple of years, we went from having 2 or 3 products to now we have close to a dozen. So it's really allowed us to craft something for everyone.

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

It feels next to impossible to really leave work behind most days. Taking time off has become far more challenging because there are so many moving parts to the business that I have to make sure are aligned before I can take a break from the hustle to truly relax.

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

I compare owning a business to having children. In the beginning, it's just like having a newborn, where you're trying to figure it all out and what it needs for growth and healthy development. And just when you think you've got it figured out, the business becomes a toddler! And you feel like you're constantly chasing it around all over the place, to keep it safe and keep feeding it to see it grow and flourish. It's a really fast-paced time, and then you hit childhood, and I think it levels out a little bit, but you're still constantly on demand and working to nourish it. I think this is where we are now because there are still so many ideas and visions ahead, but I also need to relish what we have created so far. And if I'm honest.....I'm bracing for what might be the teenage years ahead. I hear they are something all on their own! Ha!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Some days I question if starting the business was such a great idea after all because it really has been so much work and dedication. But then I get to meet my customers in person, and it all makes sense. I love connecting with humans through conversations, commonalities, and differences. And My Elderberry Fairy has allowed me to connect with people near and far through every little sip.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.myelderberryfairy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyElderberryFairy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myelderberryfairy/

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.