Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mario Esparza, founder of The PB Love Company, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

We are an online company producing & selling premium nut butters. We currently have three flavors of peanut and two almond butters. We also sell at local Colorado farmer's markets during the summer season. Our purpose is to feed people real delicious food & spread a smile! The majority of our customers are Denver-based, while we have successfully shipped to all 50 states. Our customers want a tastier and higher quality natural nut butter. Women between the ages of 21-35 who have a healthier/active lifestyle & care about ingredient quality are 80% of our customers. Supporting PB Love allows our small team to continue living a happy, healthy lifestyle while also giving us the chance to grow and spread more smiles!

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from TX & have lived in Denver since 2010. I originally started PB Love to put myself in a better position to help change the food production world and its impact on the environment. I was also confident that I could create a better tasting, healthier, more fresh nut butter for all the nut butter lovers! I am motivated by our customers, our teammates, and the opportunity we are all in to live a happy, healthy lifestyle.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business! But also growing as a leader and understanding more & more about the position I have put myself in. In order to grow PB Love and continue to fulfill our vision & purpose, my growth as a leader and healthy individual is very important. Establishing a strong brand with amazing products & a lifestyle that provides our team (& myself) a happy work/life balance is definitely an accomplishment.

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

Personal, internal growth.

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

  1. Make your own wellness your NUMBER ONE priority. Mind, body & spirit.
  2. Know your numbers & have a strong CPA that is available to help you with creating your financial narratives. Weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.
  3. Have a clear vision of where you want to take the company & what your role is. Vision(s) & role(s) will change & evolve. At the same time, it's important to visit that vision daily, weekly to keep the focus on where you, your lifestyle, & your company is headed.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Spend time on leadership development - constantly - for the life of your business! Create a set of company & personal values that are specific, measurable, attainable & relative. This is your accountability system! These, too, will evolve & change through the beginnings of your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thepbloveco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBLoveCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbloveco/

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.