Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Freya Radlein, owner of Snapdragon & Thistle, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Snapdragon & Thistle is a small English-owned business selling loose leaf teas and herbal tisanes, tea kits, and teaware.
Tell us about yourself
I'm an English transplant, fur mama, dancer, and avid tea drinker living in Seattle! The business concept was born when I got married in 2016 and made customized teabags for my guests. I realized I needed to know my product inside. Along with curiosity, I studied tea for eighteen months and became a certified tea specialist. I became even more in love with loose leaves. I realized there was so much more to it than just leaves, hot water, and any additional accompaniment that is desired, such as milk or lemon. My passion for tea keeps me motivated. I realize that's a little cliche, but it's true. It's become such an integral part of my life, and I now view it as a personal yet social beverage that nourishes my soul.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In the infantile stages of planning, one of my top priorities was to be able to use my business as a platform to raise awareness, funds, and support organizations that are personal to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats! Financially, as pretty much all small business owners know when one is growing one's customer base and getting one's name out there, the budget is tight. There isn't the option to outsource certain aspects of the business. Managing the finances, marketing, production, orders, and more requires meticulous organization and prioritization.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Most importantly, choose something that fires your passion. Getting up every day and knowing you have to tackle aspects of the business that you either don't enjoy or that are challenging eliminates any motivation to undertake those tasks.
- Connect and learn from people who have walked this road too. People are generous and so willing to give advice or help with certain areas of creating a business. I was immensely fortunate and overwhelmed with the generosity of fellow business owners or folk with experience who wanted to help me.
- Just do it! There will always be good and bad days, mistakes will be made, and you learn from them, but the joy, satisfaction, and rewards far outweigh those challenges.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://snapdragonandthistle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapdragonandthistle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapdragonandthistle/
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.