Aged 27 in 2014 skipped an MBA to get experience from her own business – empowering local food & beverage companies.
“In this episode, I interview Kim Bryden, CEO, and Founder of Cureate, a social enterprise based in Washington DC that aims to empower the food and beverage supply to meet the changing consumer demand. Kim has over 10 years of experience working in the food and beverage industry, and she helps small businesses build diversified revenue streams and identify new market opportunities.
In 2014, aged 27, Kim decided to skip an MBA and get the experience from starting her own business. She brings the business side to companies in the local food and beverage supply, empowering them through courses, consulting, and procurement matchmaking. Starting as the one full-time employee, Kim has grown the team to four and in the six years achieved an impressive 50% year on year increase in sales. They have a big focus on their existing customers as they achieve to land the new customers and constantly look for ways to build trust.
Apart from a small business competition cash prize and a minor bank loan, growth has been funded from profits. She feels they have succeeded when she hears a story come back to her about the impact of the seeds they have planted in business owners’ minds over time. Kim says the hardest thing about growing a small business is, “You may have dreams, hopes, and visions for where you want to be, but you need to act in the present.” The advice she would give herself on day one of starting in business is, “The vision you have is real and trust your gut.” Tune in and enjoy.”
