Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Hoy, Co-Founder of The Hazy Camper, located in Quesnel, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are licensed producers of premium quality cannabis-infused chocolate. We have also begun to distribute dried flower and infused pre-rolls to the BC market as well under the brand name Virtue Cannabis. Our customers are people who appreciate craft cannabis and high quality.
Tell us about yourself
My sister and I started The Hazy Camper in the middle of Covid, and I faced a breast cancer diagnosis in the midst of it all. My sister's battle with breast cancer treatment side effects is what led us to cannabis edibles in the first place. Upon federal legalization of cannabis, we transitioned from the legacy market to build a business that our children could be proud of. Their future is what motivates us to keep going each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is getting our products on the store shelves despite the many hurdles and expenses to do so.
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 having 100% accountability for what happens. Our successes and failures are our own. Our business partners have enabled us to spread across Canada one province at a time, but at the end of the day, if we can't make a product that people embrace, then we have nothing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with a business plan. Take what you think your expenses will be, then double them. Take what you think your profits will be, then 1/2 them. While this sounds pessimistic, it will show you how much capital you need to start, and it will prepare you for any factors that you have not taken into consideration.
- Once you're running your business, create time to balance work life and home life.
- To grow your business be open to partnering with other businesses in your industry.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thehazycamper.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thcadventurechocolate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehazycampercannabisco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hazy-camper/
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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