Written by: Tehreem Iqbal
SweetMonk: From Corporate Jobs to a Successful Business
To celebrate Women’s History Month, our team at Boundless Accelerator had the pleasure of speaking with Rhyze Up! clients Nicole Benes and Kelsey Gemmill, the inspiring founders of SweetMonk. Their entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, and we’re proud to celebrate their success.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
Inspiration is a powerful motivator and driving force behind many entrepreneurial journeys. For Nicole and Kelsey, starting SweetMonk was about more than just leaving their corporate jobs behind. It was about creating something new and meaningful. This passion fueled their transition from employees to entrepreneurs.
The Genesis of SweetMonk
SweetMonk’s inception is rooted in practicality and passion. The idea was planted back in 2017 when co-founder Nicole was preparing for a bodybuilding competition, and she became frustrated with stevia as a sweetener. She began exploring alternatives, leading her to discover monk fruit. Realizing its potential, she pitched the idea to Kelsey. Together, they saw an opportunity to bring something unique to market, marking the birth of SweetMonk, a sweetener made of monk fruit!
Measuring Success Beyond Numbers
Success in a startup is not a one-time achievement, nor is it solely about financial gains. Initially, Nicole and Kelsey aimed to get their product to market, tackling goals like obtaining a business license and preparing for their first event. Today, success involves the nitty-gritty details like managing raw materials and building a consistent brand. For SweetMonk, these elements are as crucial as strong sales figures.
Finding Guidance from Familial “Dragons”
The right advice can be invaluable on the path to success. For Nicole and Kelsey, their family members play pivotal roles. Nicole’s cousin, a business controller, and Kelsey’s husband offer a wide range of insights. Their candid feedback often resembles them having their own “Dragon’s Den,” providing constructive criticism and realistic perspectives. For these women founders, family advice has been a guiding light.
DIY: Tackling the Obstacles
Nicole and Kelsey have learned that resourcefulness is key in entrepreneurship. One piece of enduring advice came during their website creation. Lacking funds to hire professionals, Nicole was told to build the website herself. Despite initial hurdles, she rose to the challenge. This lesson in self-sufficiency and tenacity continues to influence their business decisions today.
Kelsey added,
“The opportunity to participate in Rhyze Up! has been beneficial to us. It’s hard to get your hands on true experts and to get their direct knowledge and experience. There’s always an opportunity to listen to a keynote speaker but to have a mentor dive deep into your business is something else! Having Boundless Accelerator allow us to do that has not only made our decision-making process easier but helped us navigate challenges.”
Women Role Models: A Constant Source of Inspiration
Nicole finds motivation in trailblazers like Tara Bosch, the mind behind Smart Sweets. Meeting Tara confirmed her admiration for women leaders who bring sweetness to their ventures. Similarly, Nicole draws strength from Jamie Kern Lima’s story of founding IT Cosmetics. She felt connected to Lima’s journey through navigating multiple challenges.
Kelsey on the other hand looks up to Tiffany Foster, a local equestrian show jumper in BC. Tiffany’s ascent to Olympic levels mirrors the perseverance and determination that Kelsey values. Her journey reminds Kelsey to persist in the face of adversity—a lesson applicable in business as well as sports.
While speaking about the inspiring story of Tiffany Foster, Kelsey added,
“I would say just don’t give up, persevere. You’re going to have really crummy days or months, and no pun intended but if you fall off the horse you must get back up!”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For new entrepreneurs, Nicole and Kelsey stress the importance of challenging conventions and forging individual paths. Understanding that there’s always something new to learn, they advise being inquisitive and open to alternatives. With limited resources, creativity becomes an asset. A questioning mentality can illuminate innovative solutions, leading to success even when the odds seem daunting.
Nicole added, “I would say, just to do it. You won’t regret it. I really liked my corporate job, but having your own business is a very different experience. It is fun being able to do programs like this and having your own creative license. You also get to make your own decisions. It’s challenging but refreshing!”
Discover SweetMonk’s Journey
If Nicole and Kelsey’s story inspires you, there’s more to discover. SweetMonk is not just a business; it’s a testament to courage, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of women entrepreneurs. Their journey serves as a beacon for others to follow. So, why not see what SweetMonk is all about? Check out SweetMonk to learn more about their journey and products.
