Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Butterworth, founder, and CEO of Paracanna Foods Inc., located in Nanaimo, BC, Canada.

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

Our purpose is to empower people to make the choices that are right for their health and wellbeing. Our gummy-making kits and mix allow people to make CBD gummy candies with the ingredients that are right for them, at a price they can afford. Our customers range in age from 18 to 92+. We have a lot of interaction with the upper range of that age limit as they find the solutions that work for their particular needs. Our kits do not contain any active ingredients.

Tell us about yourself

I am a marketer and product manager by profession, so I have always loved building and growing products and businesses. I saw a need for people to control their very personal experience with CBD and for a means to bring down costs associated with pre-made edibles. I wanted to help!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think for every entrepreneur, it is testing your hypothesis and finding out that you do indeed have a product that helps people. When you keep getting green lights to move forward, you know you have something. But then the hard work starts.

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

I have entered two very complex, regulated markets - grocery and, indirectly, cannabis. Even though we contain no cannabis, we have to adhere to marketing regulations. So there has been an enormous learning curve not just only on the supply chain side but also on the 'go-to market' side. Of course, COVID didn't help with the supply chain logistics. So, in short, it is always finding room in your brain to learn more.

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

Test your market before you do anything. Initially, I built prototypes and took them around to potential retailers to see if they were interested. They wanted to buy right away - so I went off and actually developed the product. It is essential that you do this in the right order. If you build your product first and find out no one is interested - you have a problem. The second is to grow your network quickly through industry associations; government agencies find any program that will help you meet your industry influencers and peers. They can help you move more quickly and help you avoid pitfalls. Finally, do not skimp on your legal advice or your accountants and bookkeepers. It will lead to problems down the road that you simply don't want to deal with.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure you enjoy what you do. It is important when you are stressed to remain committed to what you are doing. Have radical conviction, and don't give up when things get difficult - there is always a way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.paracanna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paracannaedibles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paracannadiyedibles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paracannaedible

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.