From Startup Idea to Reality: Lessons Learned at Esencia Foods
As a participant in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, I embarked on a journey with a mission: to learn the ropes of entrepreneurship by immersing myself in the world of a successful startup. My destination? Esencia Foods, a pioneering venture that specializes in plant-based fish alternatives. Little did I know that the first two weeks would be already rich with invaluable insights, rituals, and a glimpse into the vibrant vegan market.
The first step in my journey was to understand how a mere idea could be transformed into a flourishing business. My host entrepreneur at Esencia Foods shared their blueprint for success, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. From ideation to execution, every step was orchestrated with precision and passion.
What struck me most during my stay was the emphasis on rituals and routines. Esencia Foods had finely tuned processes that ensured milestones were achieved and the business ran like clockwork. These routines instilled discipline and a sense of purpose in the team, serving as a guiding light on their entrepreneurial path. These principles are something that I plan to incorporate into my own work and that of my current and future team.
In addition, my involvement extended beyond the confines of the Esencia Foods office. I had the privilege of assisting in the preparation of events such as “Vegan Fest Catalunya,” Europe’s largest vegan festival. It was a whirlwind of networking and learning, as I engaged with diverse vegan businesses and enthusiasts.
At “Vegan Fest Catalunya,” I had the chance to engage in candid conversations with fellow vegan businesses. These discussions revealed both the challenges and triumphs of navigating the vegan market. Their experiences, be it in product development, marketing, or sustainability, provided a wealth of knowledge that I could potentially leverage for my own startup, HYGGURT.
Even though it has only been two weeks, my time at Esencia Foods has been nothing short of transformative and has given me a newfound determination to apply these lessons to my own venture.
