Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Apollo Woods, founder, and CEO of OKC Black Eats, located in Edmond, OK, USA.

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

OKC Black Eats, L.L.C. is a marketing consulting agency that develops brand campaigns and revenue-generating solutions. Our mission is to stimulate the local economy by circulating local dollars in divested communities. OKC Black Eats, L.L.C. provides expertise in marketing solutions, including digital marketing and techniques to improve its clients' positioning in the marketplace.

Tell us about yourself

In 2016, I was offered a career opportunity that involved transferring back to my home state of Oklahoma to address a growing demand in the oilfield services industry. It was not an easy decision because my life was mapped out, and I planned to remain in Houston, Texas, for several more decades. After returning to Oklahoma, I recognized the growth of Oklahoma City Metro and the stagnant support for Black-owned businesses. OKC Black Eats is inspired to create opportunities for deserving business owners and professionals.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our journey has opened many doors for our company that ultimately benefit Black-owned businesses in Oklahoma. Our proudest moments are when we receive messages from followers telling us they dined with their family or hired a caterer because of OKC Black Eats. Trophies, funding awards, and television appearances are always great, but the responses from people supporting Black-owned businesses are special to us.

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

Accountability! Business owners must take 100% responsibility for shortcomings, losses, team development, poor communication, and sharing victories even if team members didn't do their part. If there is a problem, it will always be your responsibility to provide a pathway toward resolution. Taking accountability cultivates better leaders. Challenges are not intended to break you. They are intended to build you up.

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

  1. Vision will prevent you from being distracted from ideas and people that are not aligned with your company values and markers for success.
  2. Prioritize building relationships with people outside of your immediate circle of influence. Building authentic relationships with successful entrepreneurs and professionals allows you to share experiences and learn from one another. Your business is in a perpetual cycle of change. You will need people surrounding you who can provide wisdom and resources.
  3. Create a business that solves problems. There is nothing wrong with converting hobbies into paying opportunities. However, in business, your ability to solve problems and fill gaps in the marketplace will set you apart from competitors.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.okcblackeats.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okcblackeats/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/okcblackeats
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apollowoods/

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.