Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luke Gavin, Founder of Owls Oil, located in Grants Pass, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Owls is a premium hemp company. We sell a variety of different cannabinoids in different products, such as vape cartridges, gummies, flowers, and concentrates. Our customers are predominately 30- 65 and love using high-quality cannabis products. I know that's a pretty wide bracket, but there are many people who use our products, from young entrepreneurs looking to take the edge off to older people who bought into the reefer madness and are now looking to see if cannabis can work for them.
Tell us about yourself
I'm from Ireland originally, and I have always had a passion for cannabis. It's a dream come true to move to America and now have my own cannabis brand. It's amazing to see how this industry has developed and to learn about how this plant works with our bodies. I really enjoy helping people and overcoming challenges. When I'm told I can't do something, it just motivates me further. I think it's important in life to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and starting a business from scratch is a sure way to see who you really are.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating premium products that bring joy to the people that use them. Entering into the newfound territory and not knowing how it will work out but still pushing forward, never giving up on your dreams even when things get tough.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Everything is your responsibility. There is a lot of weight on your shoulders, so many people depend on you. It's important to stay focused and not get distracted. When you first start out, you don't know how to run a business, and it's all roses thinking about how great everything is going to be; then you move into all of the problems, and you have to overcome them. There is a constant struggle of you making mistakes until you finally figure out the best path forward. If you don't have a strong mental resilience or belief in yourself, it can tear you apart pretty quickly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Sales is number one; grow your sales team first and get your cash flow positive. Do your best to do as much work yourself until it becomes unsustainable, then hire more salespeople. Outsource what you can and keep your expenses as cheap as possible because cash flow is KING. You will need someone in admin next so you can take back your time from doing those nonsales activities.
- Make sure you love what you are doing. I probably should have put this first. Times will get tough, and if you don't love what you're doing, it will chew you up, and you will lose a bunch of money.
- We often set our own glass ceilings, dream big and focus, and never give up. Persist, and you will succeed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't start a business :) It's really tough; find something else to keep you busy :) I'm sort of kidding, but really, you better have a passion because it's going to take many, many years to find success, and it will consume you. It's probably the most difficult thing you can do in life. Read lots of books and find other people who have gone before you to give advice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.owlsoil.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owls_oil/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/owlsoil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-gavin-70b32366/
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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