Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca Scott, founder, and CEO of Sustainable Snacks, located in Bronx, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sustainable Snacks is on a mission to promote public health through better snacking. We craft snacks with bold flavors and unique textures from 100% plant-based ingredients. Our flagship line of Superfood Snacks is bites of berries, nuts, spices, and first-of-its-kind maple syrup infused dark chocolate. The line is 100% clean, plant-based, and packed with health-supporting nutrition!
In addition to sustaining our consumers with our whole-food, plant-based, and portable products, we also work to sustain our community, The Bronx, NY, which is the poorest congressional district in the country -- and the least healthy county in New York State. We make our snacks available in our community at a reduced price point to increase access to better-for-you options. Lastly, we lead nutrition workshops in schools and as part of community events to promote healthier choices. We will replicate this model in other underserved areas as the company grows.
Tell us about yourself
I was diagnosed with Lupus in college and learned to manage my condition by following a plant-based diet. Prior to launching my business, I also supported clients in improving their health outcomes by incorporating more plant-based foods. I have personally and professionally experienced the healing power of plant-based nutrition. This experience served as the foundation for launching Sustainable Snacks.
The healthy food access piece that is baked into our mission truly motivates me. We are about to launch a new product that we will distribute as part of school food programming - learning how I can use our brand to make wholesome products accessible to those who need the most is what keeps me going through even the toughest of challenges.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a mission-driven brand that is interpreted as both high quality and for everyone.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The challenges to running a business are endless. No matter how much planning you put into developing your business roadmap in advance of your launch, theory never translates seamlessly to practice. Every day there is a new challenge to confront - from something small like an order disappearing within UPS' system to a global pandemic straining supply chains and shifting consumption patterns. As an entrepreneur, you have to get up every day and be prepared to think nimbly and continually triage the situation to come up with creative solutions to move forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Put lots of thought into developing your business plan, but know you will need to pivot and continually adjust the course once you launch.
- Don't give up after a first "no." Most of my big wins have taken 3-4 attempts -- and showing persistence is key to closing deals.
- Build a support network of other entrepreneurs. They'll be able to share insights and encouragement in a way that no one else can since they're on similar journeys.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sustainablesnacks.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SustainbleSnacks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sussnacks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussnacks
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.