Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Blackburn, Founder of Wilderland Botanicals, located in Whitehorse, YT, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Wilderland Botanicals is a regenerative Canadian farm with a vision to improve the well-being of 1 million people worldwide with our 100% organic herbal medicine. We are for people who want to become active agents in their own health. Our customers are fed up with being reliant on pharmaceuticals and, instead, want to address the root cause of their health concerns naturally. Wilderland Botanicals supports its customer's health journeys as they reclaim their autonomy, trust their intuition, and make informed decisions to heal their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Tell us about yourself
Motivated by my deep curiosity of nature, desire to become self-sufficient, and drive to gain sovereignty over my health, I decided to create a farm on an off-grid Yukon mountain property with vegetable patches, solar panels, and pure water from a nearby stream. My dedication to this journey has driven me to experiment in northern Canada's harsh (yet breathtaking) environment with the intention of cultivating a farm that works harmoniously with nature and provides for myself and others.
Stepping out of my home and witnessing the incredible sight of evolving biodiversity on this farm fills me with a sense of calming inner peace. The sun's gift of vitamin D energizes me, and when I dig my hands in the soil, it creates an undeniable connection to nature. This farm provides me with endless opportunities to live freely in the present moment, experience joy, and establish more natural rhythms. Whenever I feel this way, I am inspired to open this door for others so they can discover their ultimate wellness potential too.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our purpose is not directed so much by achievements but instead gauged by the health journey we are taking with our customers. Few things bring us greater joy than hearing how our customers have successfully overcome their health challenges with our products. As we continue to learn and grow alongside our customers, we are leaving room on this adventure for our compass to make adjustments while ensuring our vision and mission keep us grounded, disciplined, and moving in the direction we aim to go.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In our experience, one of the most difficult aspects of starting a business is funding. Being underfunded can often feel like our growth is limited. Making difficult decisions over where to invest our limited funds and resources can feel like the chicken and the egg exercise as well, especially in a competitive market dominated by algorithms and capital authority. Working to grow the business at the scale and speed we envision while ensuring the business doesn't consume all other valued aspects of our lives can also be a challenge to momentum. Despite these challenges, we must constantly remind ourselves to re-evaluate our situation and appreciate where we are at - regardless of where we are. The joy is in the journey, not the destination!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For those seeking to launch, manage, and grow a business today, our top recommendation is to start with a vision in mind. Your vision and purpose are paramount to all else. Next, assert your core values and remain true to them at all times. Finally, let the journey be your reward. It may seem trite, but when we are in the moment (yes, even the bad ones) and appreciative of all the little things (yes, even the bad ones), we are more in tune with learning, growth, and the magic of it all.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wilderlandbotanicals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilderland.botanicals/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilderland.botanicals/
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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