Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Cook, owner of Special Leaf, located in San Antonio, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Special Leaf produces ready-to-drink iced teas made with local South Texas olive leaf that are healthy, wholesome, and well-balanced. Our Teas are not only flavorful but very healthful due to the natural compounds in the olive leaf. Dating back almost 4,000 years in the ancient Mediterranean area, olive leaf tea in a hot form was made to treat nausea and indigestion. With health and wellness becoming a very big topic of discussion in recent years, a lot of studies and research have been done in and around the benefits of what a good Mediterranean diet can offer, taking olive leaf extract supplement pills, and the benefits of a good extra virgin olive oil.
Our Teas can help with the same benefits found in all of these applications all because of the natural compounds found in the olive leaf, with the most prevalent being Oleuropein. The natural benefits associated with olive leaf extract include help with: inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, weight management, cognitive function, hypertension, and blood pressure to mention a few. The olive leaf is antiviral, which is very important in stimulating immune systems. Studies have shown that olive leaf tea contains twice the amount of antioxidants and four times the amount of Vitamin C. Our customers are Tea lovers in general and those that appreciate a straightforward all-natural beverage.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a chef that has been cooking/cheffing/consulting for more than 25 years. I used to consult for an olive orchard in South Texas 8 years ago and fell in love with olive leaf tea while making it for a café on the property. After researching the Tea and discovering the myriad of health benefits and lengthy history, I knew that I needed to provide it with a larger voice while learning to scale recipes, bottle, market, and distribute. What motivates me every day is the chance to help others through health and wellness, philanthropy, education, and Special Leaf Tea.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as a business owner would have to be the fact that we have been in business for close to three years while navigating through a pandemic and other challenging factors such as supply chain issues.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is building the business while working to pay daily bills through other means until the business is sustainable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top three tips I'd give to anyone looking to start a business:
- Don't start anything unless you understand you need at least 3-5 years to make it sustainable.
- Don't try and become too big too quick.
- Surround yourself with people that bring things to the table that aren't necessarily your strengths and learn from them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://specialleaf.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpecialLeaf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialleafco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/specialleaf
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefchriscook/
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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