How I Turned a Personal Health Crisis Into a Gut Health Soda
Long hours of working in finance had taken a toll on Rosa Li 's health, and she decided that the thing to do was reboot her gut. She began brewing tonics her grandmother--who'd raised her in China until she was 12--used to make, steeping teas of medicinal herbs and infusing them with California farmstand fruits. She kept tinkering: adding prebiotic fiber, sweetening with monkfruit; adding probiotics. Eventually, it was delicious. Li, now 38, called it wildwonder , and launched in South San Francisco with meager funding but an ingenious strategy: Supply tech companies with her culturally refreshing brews before seeking funding for retail expansion. The first shipments to Uber and Meta were en route when the pandemic scrapped that plan.?--As told to Christine Lagorio-Chafkin
"I totally flipped my strategy. Food service was shut down, companies were canceling their purchase orders. We never got paid for most. It was impossible to raise money, despite my finance background. I understand it; I was a solo founder with a CPG product with zero traction.
"But grocery stores were the busiest. So I pounded the pavement, all March through May, helping grocery store employees stock shelves, befriending them, trying to figure out a way in. I built a Shopify site; I got local distribution. By the end of the first year, I was in 100 stores.
"In early 2021, Shark Tank reached out. I didn't reply; I was very much focused on rebuilding the supply chain and making sure our manufacturing could scale. I diversified everything--Covid showed me the importance of this, down to having multiple sources for every ingredient--and I contracted multiple co-packers. I made sure we maintained our very high margins, so we have a high return on every dollar we invest. We expanded nationally with supermarket chain Sprouts.
"A year later, I wrote back to Shark Tank and said: 'I know I'm fashionably late, but I've got a story for you.' Read More...
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Author "How To Promote Your Business" Also, "Amazing GRATITUDE Best 365 Days Journal of Gratitude For MEN & WOMEN," 382 pages, in English, French & Spanish. On SALE at Amazon. USA Get Yours Today at #ProfessorAndyAuthor
8 个月Yes. Thanks for your comments. Some of the lessons we learned during the Covid-19 show the importance of (1) having different sources of raw materials or supplies (2) innovation. and (3) creativity. Please follow Professor Andy on Linkedin for more like this. #ProfessorAndyAuthor
Author "How To Promote Your Business" Also, "Amazing GRATITUDE Best 365 Days Journal of Gratitude For MEN & WOMEN," 382 pages, in English, French & Spanish. On SALE at Amazon. USA Get Yours Today at #ProfessorAndyAuthor
8 个月CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS. ?? It takes hard work and determination. ?? GLAD TO SHARE AN EXCITING BOOK REVIEW BY PAUL K.: "How to Promote Your Business & Increase Sales is a well-written and structured manual on business promotion.? ????As a healthcare professional, I find it admirable that he dedicated this to the COVID-19 medical community. This book is incredibly beneficial for anyone, especially in the competitive economy we live in today, with its guidance, ideas, and tactics.? ????It's easy to read the chapters and focus on the particular subjects that apply to you and your stuff the most. A worth reading book!" How to Promote Your Business & Increase Sales 5/5 Stars on Goodreads.??#professorandyauthor
Business exit advisor to GEN X landscaping business owners considering a transition from business in the next 10 years. GROW, PROTECT, and REALIZE the value of your business to maximize your exit opportunities.
8 个月I think this, "I diversified everything--Covid showed me the importance of this, down to having multiple sources for every ingredient--and I contracted multiple co-packers." is one of the most important lessons business owners in all industries learned during COVID and is still highly correlated to a healthy business of value.
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8 个月Hey that's great ?? Any opportunity for me from India. Please associate me with you ??