Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liza Martinenko, Founder and CEO of Mood Milk, from Toronto, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
Mood Milk is a company that creates delicious and colorful superfood latte blends for those who wish to reduce or eliminate their daily coffee consumption. Formulated by a nutritionist, each blend combines superfoods and botanicals to nourish at every sip. By invigorating the senses, providing powerful nutrition, and relaxing the body and mind, Mood Milk superfood blends elevate daily “me time” to a healing practice. Whether having it while meditating, doing yoga, reading, taking a bath, or walking in nature, Mood Milk is the perfect companion to anyone looking to reconnect with themselves.
What's your background and motivation to grow as an entrepreneur?
I believe that a successful life starts with self-love and self-care. Before starting Mood Milk, I found myself putting my well-being on the back burner to try and get ahead - something that is often praised in today's culture. I had to learn the hard way that my physical and mental health must stay my top priority while moving through life. This is why I created Mood Milk: to help others like myself prioritize their wellbeing and nourish their bodies in a simple, delicious and nutritious way.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to bring Mood Milk to life, seeing it evolve from an idea to a physical product on shelves. It has been a lengthy process, but so worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
One of the most challenging things about being a business owner is continuously showing up for yourself and your business. Whether you feel like it or not that day, a company will require your constant effort and attention to succeed, especially if you are a solopreneur like me. Every day brings on a new challenge, a new obstacle to overcome, a new skill to learn. It takes a lot of passion and grit to keep pushing forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make time for daily self-care. Filling your cup daily is not only recommended but necessary when looking to build and run a business sustainably. The health of your business will be reflective of your own physical and mental wellness. Join a supportive community in your field. Finding others going through a similar journey will help you feel supported and understood and helped guide you through the process. Ask for help. I wish I had started doing this earlier on in my journey. You can save yourself a lot of stress, money, and time if you learn to ask for help. Find an online community in your field, ask other business owners or find yourself a mentor who can help you when questions arise.
Where can people find you?
Website: https://mymoodmilk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymoodmilk/
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.