Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matt Hammonds, CEO and co-founder of Full Leaf Tea Co., located in White City, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Full Leaf Tea Co. is an organic loose-leaf tea company that offers premium tea with a focus on unique wellness blends. Living a healthy lifestyle requires a balance of nutrition, exercise, and mental health. As our company grows, we're always working to craft new wellness blends that meet one, if not all, staples of a healthy lifestyle. This means we've poured years into learning about our ingredients, crafting our blends, and working with our customers to deliver delicious, wellness-focused loose-leaf tea. Our customers range from Millennials to Boomers and beyond who want to live a healthier lifestyle and enjoy the versatility of tea.
Tell us about yourself
Entrepreneurship has been a passion of mine since I was in High School. I worked in many different roles in other businesses, but about ten years ago, my wife (Lisa) and I decided we wanted to start our own business from scratch. We went through dozens of business ideas, but after two years of research, we chose loose-leaf tea. At the time, we were broke and nearly bankrupt. We had less than $100 to our name, zero assets, and over six figures of debt. This meant we would have to do everything on our own to start. Somehow, Lisa was able to get approved for a credit card with a $2,500 limit. That was our seed funding and all we had to get the company off the ground. When the money ran out, if there weren't sales, we would be done. Since then, we have built a great company that just made the INC 5000 list of Most Successful Companies in America, and we were in the top 100 for Food and Beverage. What motivates me every day is improving the lives of everyone that Full Leaf Tea Co. encounters, from employees to customers. We have a simple unofficial motto in our office. "Improve Every Day." Even if it is a small improvement, it's amazing what we can accomplish.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This may sound cliche, but Full Leaf Tea Co. is my biggest accomplishment. There have been many "accomplishments" along the way. But to me, the biggest accomplishment is the company we have built, not the accolades it receives.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is dealing with the daily challenges and pushing through in the moments when you feel like a failure.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- DON'T DO IT.
- If you're dumb enough to ignore tip #1, you will have to work harder and smarter than everyone else.
- Don't lose the forest for the trees. Especially when starting a business, it's really easy to get consumed by the details. You have to keep the big picture in mind with everything you do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://fullleafteacompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullleaftea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullleaftea/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FullLeafTeaCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-leaf-tea-company/about/
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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