Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joycelyn Bryant, Founder of SpinJoy!, located in Orlando, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SpinJoy! highlights the reality that there IS a successful intersection between nutritional density, guilt-free indulgence, and true convenience in a modern health-forward lifestyle. We create accessible convenience food products that prove it! Our flagship product, Coconut Flour Wraps, is a satisfyingly versatile alternative to pitas and tortillas that is gluten-free, keto-friendly, allergen-friendly, fiber-forward, and yeast-free.
Our customers are busy modern professionals that crave a well-balanced, wellness-centered lifestyle. Many of them are already doing yoga, drinking smoothies, meditating daily, and caring for their children in addition to making all their meetings and deadlines on time. However, despite consistent efforts, lack of time, lack of cooking expertise, and lack of access to suitable convenience products have faltered in their wellness plans. We also serve those who are sensitive to or intolerant to gluten.
Tell us about yourself
I was studying pre-med and getting ready to apply to medical school when I started my first business. This was a result of being burned out with a heavy course load and suffocating financial responsibilities. After spending a semester working full-time at a call center alongside a full course load, I decided that I needed to be more financially empowered before proceeding to medical school (which would be more demanding and expensive). I had the bright idea that I would start a business that would become self-sustaining and pay my way through school. I’ve always had a natural talent for the kitchen, which was cultivated through my upbringing, so I decided I would start a mobile soul food delivery service targeting my college peers. I started the business the very next day.
Through this endeavor, I opened up doors for and within myself that took me on a totally different trajectory, ultimately deciding not to attend medical school. After a while, I changed my business model and became a caterer, serving corporate clients as well as any event someone needed me for, i.e., graduations, weddings, parties, private dinners, etc. As I leaned more into catering, I brought my passion for health and wellness with me, eventually realizing that I could obtain the same objective I had for going to medical school in the first place. That was that many illnesses and stresses could be eliminated through understanding how the body works and choosing foods and practices that support optimal function. In short, food is medicine and can be used preventatively.
I began incorporating more plant-based options into my menus and creating educational channels for my clients. I eventually developed a curriculum that incorporated biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, cooking and even shopping lessons in a way that provided a digestible knowledge base for the everyday person to be empowered in their decisions and habits around food.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Actually, following through with my business ideas and getting reception from the public. It is so magical to see something that once only existed in your mind translate to something tangible. Seeing people purchase my services and products is the only validation I need.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing the act of trusting the process with taking concise, grounded steps forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start now with what you have. Don't wait until it's "perfect."
- Look for the shortcuts! You don't always need to start from scratch.
- Delegate as quickly as possible. This will help you prevent burnout.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://spinjoy.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinjoy.life/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycelyn-bryant-750439a7/
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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