Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kevin Wong, Owner of The Dubia Dude, located in Memphis, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I sell feeder insects to reptile owners by reusing plastic water bottles as shipping containers. The species of insect that I specialize in is called the Dubia roach, which is a staple feeder insect for reptiles and many other pets. My customers are mostly bearded dragon owners that want an easy way to feed their pets without handling the roaches directly.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business because it was hard to find a reliable food source for my own bearded dragons, Spyro and Godzilla. While they were young, they had a voracious appetite, and I wanted them to grow to be strong and healthy.
At first, I used crickets but did not like using them because they were smelly and could harm my baby dragons. My vet recommended Dubia roaches, so I started a colony of roaches to create a food source for my dragons. Once my colony outgrew my dragons' appetite, I wanted to supply other pet owners with a reliable source of food.
I am motivated to help others keep their pets well-fed and healthy while reusing plastic water bottles instead of creating new plastic waste.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been supplying pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since I shipped directly to my customers, they did not have to make excess trips to the store to pick up food for their pets.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is getting good and reliable help. I am very fortunate to have found the help that I greatly needed. Setting up the process and systems that I have in place was difficult, but now it makes my life easier while keeping the business running smoothly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not quit your day job until you have established revenue that can support your lifestyle.
- Books can be a ton of help, and you do not need to get a degree to be successful; it just takes hard work and patience.
- Learn how to capture the attention of your target customers and make your business unique, as well as keeping the customers happy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thedubiadude.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDubiaDude/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedubiadude/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wong-21a29792/
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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