It’s been a minute, but we’re back today with another DFD Babe Feature!
If you’re new around here, I have a series called the DFD Babe Feature where I like to share stories about female entrepreneurs (particularly in the health/wellness space!) who inspire me. This week we’re chatting with Rachel of Rachel’s Overnight Oats, a company that makes overnight oats mixes in three different flavors (the Pumpkin Spice one is perfect for fall!). Her products are all non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and have zero added sugars. They essentially take the work/effort out of making a healthy breakfast and as someone who’s been eating them for months, I can tell you they’re a game changer!!
One thing I love about Rachel is how driven she is. I know her personally and can tell you that she is basically superwoman running a business entirely by herself while also working on other projects, being a mom, and staying on track with her health goals. If that doesn’t sound exhausting to you, then I don’t know what does? She’s absolutely crushing it in all aspects of life, but she’s here to share what it’s really like being an entrepreneur with a food startup, how she balances life & work, and that not everything is as glamorous on the inside as it is on the outside sometimes.
Tell us a little bit about Rachel’s Overnight Oats! What made you decide to start your own company?
I started right in my very own kitchen!! I made overnight oats nearly every night for my fiancé who typically skipped breakfast in the morning. I was thrilled he loved my overnight oats recipes and was finally eating breakfast, so I found myself making them nightly for the both of us. After many nights of measuring ingredients and making overnight oats, I wanted something more convenient and less time consuming. I went to the store looking for an overnight oats mix, but was disappointed I couldn’t find what I was looking for. I tried everything on the market and they’d come out very chalky, plus I didn’t want all the added sugar. It was then that I decided I would try making and selling my own mix. Here I am over 2.5 years later and it looks as though I wasn’t the only one looking for an overnight oats mix!
When did you start becoming passionate about healthy eating and health in general?
When I was in high school I remember becoming more aware of my eating and exercise habits. I’ve also lived an active lifestyle whether it be horseback riding or an outdoor hike, etc. I think eating healthy and exercise go hand in hand. It’s just part of who I am.
What are three personality traits you think are key to being a successful business owner?
1) PERSISTENCE – A food start up is full of challenges, growing pains and financial demands. You need to be persistent even though you may not get the response you are looking for the first time you ask. You have to have the will power to keep trying even when things are tough. Some of my store accounts told me “no” three times before I finally got a “yes”. 2) PATIENCE – Things take time and although you may be the one in charge, some outcomes aren’t always your decision or within your control. Sometimes you just have to be patient. 3) ORGANIZATION- Staying organized is crucial. Knowing details and learning the systems that run a business is key, but that’s not always easy when you have emails flying and your phone ringing off the hook.
What’s your favorite part of owning & running a company?
When you create something of your own and experience the challenges and successes along the way, it creates a sense of appreciation for other entrepreneurs because I know first hand how hard it can be. When I am at an in-store demo and someone asks, “Are you Rachel?” it’s also very moving to see their excitement when they meet the face behind the brand. I feel so connected to what I am doing and when I hear someone else loves or enjoys my overnight oats, it just feels good.
And what’s your least favorite part?
The long hours and balancing work, home and social life. Most weeks are 7 day work weeks. I know I won’t be working 7 days a week forever, but I have to now just to get things up off the ground!
What advice can you give to others looking to start pursuing their passions? Is there anything you would have done differently?
I would have started sooner. Don’t hesitate if you have an idea or want to start a business. Yes, its scary because its out of your comfort zone, but once you start building momentum with your brand and business, it’s really special.
How do you prioritize time for yourself when you’re super busy with your business? Do you have any de-stressing techniques or self-care routines you can share?
I try to schedule myself for a facial or a mani/pedi on a consistent basis. Once I have that on the calendar, it’s a commitment in my schedule that I plan to stick to. It helps me take time for myself and I plan it my schedule just like I would book a work meeting.
What are you excited for in the second half of 2018 and beyond?
I am preparing for a launch in Northern California. This is a big step for the company and I’m really excited about it. Although the business is growing, that also means performance expectations grow, financial demands grow and responsibilities grow. I am also really looking forward to expanding the product line and coming up with new products to share with our loyal and growing customers.
So that’s the scoop on Rachel – what do you guys think? I freakin’ love how she just keeps it real and I know with her persistence she’s going to absolutely crush it even more in the future. If you’d like to find her on Instagram, her handle is @rachelsovernightoats and you can shop her products on Amazon Prime here, or on her website.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of your week!!
xo Jordan
