Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Lopez, owner of Swallowtail Foods, located in Fort Collins, CO, USA.

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

I own a small business that produces and distributes all-natural chai and matcha latte mixes called Pi Chai & Pi Matcha. Our chai comes in 3 flavors - Original, Chocolate, and Java. Our matcha also comes in 3 flavors - Original, Blueberry, and Melon. Our chai and matcha are for those who desire all-natural quality ingredients with unique and delicious flavor profiles. We distribute wholesale to foodservice establishments and CPG grocery/specialty stores. We also sell directly through multiple e-commerce platforms. We have strong partnerships with our suppliers to main consistency, quality, and traceability throughout our supply chain. We source ethically and sustainably whenever possible.

Tell us about yourself

My love and passion for the culinary arts began in college, where I studied hospitality management, food science, and product/menu development. I continued my culinary passion working in the food & beverage industry for hotels & restaurants until I decided to venture off on my own, creating Swallowtail Foods. My desire was to develop exceptional delicious tasting all-natural chai and matcha latte mixes that are easy to make while utilizing the highest quality ingredients from local suppliers and abroad. The results are chai and matcha that are unparalleled in taste, quality, and simplicity.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing a product go from concept to development and then production to distribution. It is a beautiful and wonderful process. There are so many details to consider, i.e., branding, packaging, sourcing ingredients, production, warehousing, distribution, selling, marketing, and the list goes on and on. I am part of an amazing team of individuals who collectively make this all happen.

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

Learning to slow down and knowing when your day is done. I can go, go, go all day long, but I have learned that this is not always productive. I take breaks during my workday to refocus and reset, which results in a clear and more productive mind. The hardest thing for me has been keeping to business hours and not working before or after. There are times when this is unavoidable, but I make it an exception, not the rule. This is very important in creating a healthy work-life balance.

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

  1. Passion: Be passionate about the business you are starting. Passion gives you drive and dedication and carries you when times get tough. When times are good, passion energizes and inspires you to push harder, thus making your business successful.
  2. Flexibility: It is very important to be flexible in all aspects of the business. This will enable you to pivot whenever necessary. You have to be comfortable with your macro and micro-business environments fluctuating and changing constantly. Have an open mindset to new ideas and directions while moving forward.
  3. Patience: Some small businesses get off and running and reach their desired profitability quickly, but this is not always the case. In fact, a lot of small businesses need time to develop, with multiple hills and valleys along the way. Being patient and having a well-thought-out road map/business plan and execution will lead you where you want to go and your desired outcome.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be accepting that you are going to make mistakes along your business journey. It is impossible to know everything. Find great mentors that are in a similar business as yours, and do not be afraid to ask for advice or guidance to minimize mistakes and failures; however, they will happen. Acknowledge your mistakes, embrace them, learn from them, and keep going strong.

One last thing, when you are ready, become a mentor to other small businesses. Help them, as others helped you. Also, give back to your local community through donating and volunteering. This has a widespread impact on your community while benefiting the health of your business, internally and externally.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.swallowtailfoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swallowtailfoods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowtailfoods/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/swallowtailfood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swallowtail-foods-llc/

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.