Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in agriculture but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kamal Bell, founder of Sankofa Farms LLC., located in Durham, NC, USA.

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

Our business is very dynamic. We sell produce, have an agricultural academy, offer an Airbnb experience called Bees In the T.R.A.P., and create educational materials for beginning beekeepers. Our customers consist of those in our community who are impacted by food insecurity and also those who shop at local distributors who sell our products.

Tell us about yourself

What first got me into agriculture was my love for nature. Growing up, I always loved being outdoors and interacting with animals. In college, I was able to gain invaluable experience managing the university farm. Once I completed my undergraduate degree and learned about food deserts, I wanted to combine my passion for farming and aptitude to address an issue in the black community. What motivates me is that we are centering on issues that affect the black community and are attempting to address them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I don’t look at the business from an accomplishment standpoint. I think we have a long way to go, but I appreciate that we are making progress in building our infrastructure at the farm.

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

In business, you are never truly up, and things are always volatile. This means that you have to be able to put out fires all day, which I actually like.

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

  1. Always follow your gut when making tough decisions.
  2. Create a business that solves a social issue.
  3. Look at those around you who are passionate and try to incorporate them into your plan if they are willing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The current idea of entrepreneurship is based on social media, which isn’t always an accurate depiction of reality. I would try to find a mentor in the field that can help me along the journey and give me constructive feedback.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sankofafarmsllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SankofaFarmsLLC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sankofafarms/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sankofafarms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-bell-a6274a126/

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.

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