5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Joanna has been involved in the music industry for years, which often means late nights and early mornings, while trying to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. She never found a perfect source of energy for those times which would be low/no sugar, natural, vegan and taste delicious. The other energy/functional drink alternatives on the market were just not right for Joanna. She started asking her network if anyone had the same problem and most of the time the answer was yes. There just wasn’t anything out there that was natural, healthy and tasted nice! At the same time, Joanna was working for a leading sport nutrition company experiencing the fast growth of functional ingredients, indulgent flavours and plant-based lifestyle. She carried out extensive research on energy and functional drinks, and identified a gap in the market for a fun and healthy beverage that Crave would be perfect to fill.
What would you love to share with other women to encourage them to start their own business?
It has not been the easiest few years starting my own company, Crave Drinks, but it has been the most exciting, developing and fun journey of my life so far. Running my own business allows me to really focus on something that I’m extremely passionate about and share that with the world. Now really is the best time to start your own company; you can reach out to the global marketplace from the comfort of your own home, keep operating costs small and use technology to expand in the post-pandemic world.
What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?
Make sure you are solving a problem. It is very important to create a business that solves a problem. The problem you solve does not need to be very complicated, but you have to know what you are trying to achieve and accomplish with your business. When you and your team know the problem inside out, it will become much easier to market your idea to your potential customers.
Take advantage of your network. Utilising your network may result in finding your first investor, a new customer or a key supplier. It is also a great source for support, inspiration and new ideas. Attending start-up and industry events will both widen your contact network and also create awareness for your business among relevant business leaders.
Put your customer first. Customers are your most important assets. They offer key insight to your business that can only be observed from the outside. Observe, listen and adapt your offering based on this valuable feedback. Make sure to take care of yourself.
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, but do not forget about yourself along the way. Running a business easily takes over your life, but you have to remind yourself that there is more to life than just work. With a healthy mind and a healthy body, you will be able to make better decisions. Believe in yourself and just do it!
You will be the biggest enemy of your success by overthinking, doubting and questioning your decision-making. You will make mistakes, things will get tough and there will be a lot of sleepless nights – but guess what it’s all worth it!
Who are the top 5 women who inspire you the most?
Sanna Marin – Prime Minister of Finland
Sophia Amoruso – Founder of Nasty Gal
Melanie Perkins – Co-founder of Canva
Emma Watson – Actress
Sheryl Sandberg – COO of Facebook
What is your favourite saying/Inspirational quote?
“Living the life I’ve chosen”
Website and socials
Website: https://www.cravedrinks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cravedrinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cravedrinks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cravedrinks
