Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thuong Tan, founder and CEO of Noodelist, located in Palo Alto, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Noodelist is premium, plant-based instant noodles that you are not ashamed to eat in public! We are finally closing the gap between healthy and tasty.
Noodelist is also 5G enabled:
- Good tasting
- Good for you
- Good for the planet
- Good to eat in just 5 minutes
- Guaranteed Instant Happiness
And one more thing, we are powered by super plant Moroheiya (Egyptian spinach), which has 5x more calcium than regular spinach.
Our customers are busy working parents who appreciate a quick, healthy, tasty meal for themselves and their kids. Also, millennial techies are a big fan of Noodelist because of the convenience and delicious taste.
Tell us about yourself
I was:
- Born in Vietnam, I don't eat rice.
- Raised in Finland, I don’t eat potatoes.
- Based in Silicon Valley, I don’t eat burritos.
I literally live on noodles!
So I'm on a mission to deliver #InstantHappiness in the form of Noodelist - plant-based instant noodles. I got the idea in 2014 while in Shanghai studying MBA in luxury brand management and realized that 100B servings of instant noodles are consumed around the world every year. And there was no premium option/healthier option available. That got me thinking, "What would the Chanel of instant noodles be?".
I'm motivated to spread the moment of #InstantHappiness thru each bowl of Noodelist - to be able to offer everyone a Taste of Instant Joy. Happy stomach. Happy mind.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That I have created and launched a physical product, which started from a single idea for a school project, and now we are selling the product, and customers love it and keep buying it. To see the happiness when people have discovered Noodelist and are able to enjoy instant noodles again.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The constant hustle and grinding to keep the business moving since there is no guarantee to get the salary by the end of the month. The uncertainty of the financial security. I guess we founders have to be crazy to enjoy this kind of ride since we are. :)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start and do it! With what you have, where you are, and what you know.
- Ask for help. Ask lots of questions. Use your network and their skills and contacts.
- Trust your gut and yourself, and keep hustling!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Noodelist has unique DNA: Its taste comes from my Asian heritage (Vietnamese-Chinese). Its design is from Finland, and with a Silicon Valley mindset, it was created and born in California, USA.
Do get a #TasteOfInstantJoy. Here's a promo code to get 15% off: HAPPINESS.
Noodle on :) -Thuong
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.noodelist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Noodelist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noodelist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noodelist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/noodelist/
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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