Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bryan Horsley, Co-Founder of SwitchGrocery, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SwitchGrocery is a Canadian food retailer that carries foods you can't find anywhere else. Our focus is on low-carb, low-sugar foods that help our customers with their own health journeys. Our customers are people who've adopted a low-carb or healthier lifestyle and are looking for foods that you just can't find in traditional retail.
Tell us about yourself
My partner/co-founder and I started SwitchGrocery out of our own frustration at not being able to get a lot of foods we wanted. Every time I'd come home from a trip to California, my suitcase was full of things I just couldn't get in Canada. My motivation is to help people - I want to help people live the life they want, which includes being able to access healthy foods that traditional retail isn't ready to carry.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a business that people want. I remember our first 100 orders; we were amazed that someone wanted to buy from us and trusted us with their money. That's continued even as we grow; I'm still amazed and humbled that people trust us with their money and actively choose to shop with us.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Uncertainty. Every day you wonder if customers will keep coming back, if you're still relevant and what changes you need to make to stick around.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Validate your product fit quickly and be ready to change. Early customer feedback is so valuable.
- It's going to take longer than you think. Plan for that.
- Love what you're doing. You have to enjoy what you're doing because it will take up a lot of your time, so you better love it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.switchgrocery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwitchGrocery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switchgrocery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/switchgrocery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-horsley
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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