Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in e-commerce but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alejandra Rodriguez, Co-Founder & CEO of Shroomboom, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Shroomboom is a content-driven e-commerce platform built around a very compelling wellness and lifestyle brand. We are centered around mushroom-based innovations in beauty, food, health, fashion, mental health, sustainability, and more. Our business focuses on connecting all mushroom innovators with mushroom enthusiasts and eco-warriors.

Tell us about yourself

I started working on my business as I believe in the importance of mind-body health. Both are equally important. I struggled with an eating disorder for 4 years, and through my healing journey, I found a great passion for health and wellness.

An eating disorder is something that is very painful to the person who suffers from it and to their family members. It is a mental disorder that often can come from an emotional void. In my case, the root of the issue didn't have much to do with food, but it all manifested through food. As a result, my relationship with food was distorted. I would fear food, I had thoughts about food that were untrue, and my body was collateral damage. For years, I felt weak and sick, but it went on for so long that feeling unwell became normal for me, my natural state. For the longest time, I was in denial and didn't accept that I needed help until, one day, I collapsed. I lost the ability to move my legs, hands, and feet and my ability to speak. It all became very real, and I felt a fear like no other. I began to breathe and tried to calm down, and in a few minutes, I was able to move and speak again. After that, I decided to choose my health. As I began to discover mushrooms, I started learning that the power of mushrooms aids in both mental and physical health, and I became fascinated. I began learning everything functional, and psilocybin mushrooms can do.

Me and my co-founder, Jen, are so passionate about having a mission-driven company. Educating people about how to better their lives and make the world a more sustainable place is something that has great importance to us. We live in a world where a lot of people suffer physically or from mental disorders, but they lack the information and tools to make significant changes. Making a difference and bettering someone's life is something that motivates me every day. I believe mushrooms can be very beneficial for humans, and we really want to spread the word.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been building (along with a wonderful team) a beautiful mission-driven company that has begun to become more and more known.

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

Being a business owner comes with a lot of sacrifices. Every decision must be made for the greater good of the company. You will sacrifice sleep, income, and time but it's very rewarding to see your dream come to life in the real world.

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

The 3 tips I would give to anybody who is becoming an entrepreneur are:

  1. Find an amazing partner that you really vibe with that has a completely different set of skills, and you both complement each other in your partnership.
  2. Think of equity as if it was debt.
  3. When you're pitching, listen first and ask questions. Once you know more information about the person or people you are pitching to, you will know the best way to sell them your ideas and yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shroomboom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ale.rodriguezg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-rodriguez-78559b173/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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