Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsay Nixon, CEO of Happy Herbivore/Meal Mentor, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

My customers are busy people looking to adopt or maintain a predominately low-fat, plant-based diet that is easy to do. I offer a weekly meal plan service and have six published cookbooks, as well as a blog, podcast, and additional digital content focused on science-based vegan weight loss.

Tell us about yourself

When I adopted a low-fat vegan diet, there were no cookbooks and very few resources for recipes and lifestyle help. I started blogging about what I was making and learning, which led to several cookbooks and later an app and meal plan service. I am hugely motivated by the success stories I hear from my customers and supporters.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hearing stories from people who lost 100 lbs or reversed a chronic illness using my recipes.

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

There are no paid vacation days or "off" hours.

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

  1. Avoid building your business on land you don't own (e.g., on a social media platform). Instead, build your website and newsletter so that if that social media changes or goes away, your business is safe.
  2. Focus on the work, not the outcome. It is easy to get lost in metrics, or if something doesn't sell or take off right away, you might think it is a failure when the "success" might come a little later.
  3. Create boundaries with customers (e.g., limited hours of operation or how long they can expect a response or a refund policy).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.happyherbivore.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/happyherbivore/
https://www.instagram.com/mealmentor/

Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/mealmentor
https://www.twitter.com/happyherbivore

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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