Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tatrina White, founder of The Purple Mushroom, located in Irmo, SC, USA.

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

The Purple Mushroom is an indoor boutique urban mushroom farm - located in Columbia, SC. Pouring my passion into cultivating several varieties of fresh gourmet mushrooms is my daily goal. To satisfy all levels of mycophiles, I also provide grow kits, entry-level mushroom growing supplies, as well as blended mushroom products such as: honey, spices and teas, which my customers appreciate.

Tell us about yourself

Needing to improve my diet by limiting meat consumption research led me to oyster mushrooms. After searching my local market area for these elusive mushrooms, I noticed the selection of fresh gourmet mushrooms were minimal. So I decided to grow my own. After a short while I started growing for family and friends. Eventually, I started growing enough for small farmer's markets. Then the lightbulb came on - I found my passion! Filling this unique niche keeps me motivated each and every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting The Purple Mushroom in a spare room within my home because I couldn't locate a variety of fresh gourmet mushrooms; to now having expanded The Purple Mushroom into my own 2000 sf warehouse. The mushroom warehouse has to be my biggest accomplishment to date.

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

Learning how to delegate tasks effectively and also to remember all conversations don't have to pertain to mushroom farming.

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

  1. Get started. You don't have to have it all figured out.
  2. Be secure with self-motivation, and it's ok if others don't recognize your vision.
  3. Never stop learning. Improve on small tasks daily.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Remember to enjoy every ebb and flow of your entrepreneurial journey!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thepurplemushroom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurpleMushroomSC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepurplemushroomsc/

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.