Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Phillips.
Hi Alexis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew I wanted to start my own business for many reasons. I wanted to leave the grip of corporate hold at some point and prove to myself and my kids that I could do it. I was going to start my pizza lunchable/kit business until I tried microgreens for the first time. Microgreens are seedlings of vegetables and herbs, 40x more nutrient-dense than the adult version. They’re small, beautiful, delicious, and full of nutrients. An old friend of mine had brought me a sample. I had tried to get him to start his own microgreens business and rent a space I knew was available. This isn’t something they were interested in. I had fallen in love with microgreens and wanted to pursue this microgreens business myself. My dream became my reality after a service class, a business class, research, and a SARE grant. I now make weekly and bi-weekly deliveries to many restaurants and sell at two grocery stores.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some challenges I have faced for different vegetables and herbs were how much soil to use, how much water to give them, how often, when to harvest, etc. Everything is different. I also found that research will tell you everything, so you must use trial and error. It was also (and still is) challenging to take samples and communicate with people due to my anxiety. I am getting better at this, but this will always be challenging. The continuous challenge is planting trays, watering them, and harvesting them. For restaurants, I grow to order and deliver within two days of harvesting; this way, they’re ensured the freshest quality. I have to water my microgreens daily, which makes it hard when you don’t have employees and travel out of state/city during many weekends. Luckily, I have amazing friends who don’t mind helping when my family and I travel. Microgreens can take 10-27 days to grow after sowing/planting. I have to plan out when I plant trays, harvest them carefully, and when I need to deliver them every week. I have a pretty successful system I’ve created, but the work never stops, and it’s well worth it. On top of my microgreens business, I’m also a wife and mama of two; I help run a shared-use commercial kitchen (at a non-profit called StarkFresh). I’m the co-creator of a pizza shop I also run. I’m busy.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My primary customers are restaurants. I go to different restaurants, ask to speak to the chef, give them samples, and explain what I do. What sets me apart from others who grow microgreens is- that I don’t do farmers’ markets (I have nothing against them, but I want to spend that time with my family); I grow to order and deliver them right to the customer. I also will grow certain microgreens upon request. Most of the time, I bring one or both of my kids with me on my deliveries. This teaches them also. In a way, I’m known for delivering high-quality fresh microgreens with my children and having good conversations with my customers. I am professional, but yet very laid back. This is my small business that I continue to put a lot of hard work into, that I choose to do and love. I believe this shines through with my customers.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Do not give up. Most people are conditioned to feel scared when big changes happen and when big decisions are to be made. If you want to do something, do it. I don’t believe there is ever a perfect time. You can always come up with reasons why you need more time to make a big change or move. Just start and continue to adapt. You can also only research a little. And, if you’re looking to start a business or expand your knowledge in your current job or company, there are many excellent free classes and online courses. Your local libraries hold many different sessions. And, of course, networking is always a smart move.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://little-greens-mama.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_greens_mama
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlegreensmamacantonohio
