Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anamika Gioia, founder, and owner of Sacred Snacks, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

At Sacred Snacks, we believe in honouring every ingredient in its most natural form. That's why our snacks are simple, wholesome, and minimally processed. Our lotus seeds are hand-picked, popped in small batches, and roasted to perfection using natural seasonings and olive oil.

The cultivation process of the seeds does not destroy the ecosystem. It is a 100% sustainable crop. The plants grow naturally in ponds and do not require extra water to produce.

Tell us about yourself

I first discovered this snack when I was growing up in India. My mother used to make it for me at home, and it was my favourite snack. When I moved to Canada when I was 13, I noticed that I couldn't find it anywhere. Over the years, I struggled to find good snacks that were both healthy and still tasted good. My quest to find the perfect snack kept bringing me back to the one of my childhood and I felt compelled to create Sacred Foods.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was being able to take an idea and vision in my mind and create into an actual product that sells at grocery stores across Canada. The first time I saw my snacks on shelves, it was a surreal "pinch me" moment that I'll never forget.

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

Unexpected changes. COVID-19 is a huge example of this. As a business owner, you have to learn how to adapt quickly in order to survive. You don't always get the opportunity to plan ahead.

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

  1. You don't have to have it all figured out. The answers will come as you go along with the process. I face new challenges every day, and I'm still learning.
  2. Learn from your mistakes. Failure is just an opportunity to keep learning. Every successful entrepreneur you speak to will be able to give you a list of setbacks and oversights it took to get to where they are.
  3. Develop a growth mindset. I used to believe that people are born with certain talents, intelligence, and luck, but now I realize that's just a starting point. We are able to learn anything through hard work and dedication.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eatsacredsnacks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredsnacks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamikagioia/

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.