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Go Solo Stories: Angela Zeng Shares Tips on Starting an F&B Business

Originally posted on Go Solo

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on Go Solo’s interview with Angela Zeng, Owner of Fulfill Food & Beverages bda Karviva Beverages, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.

What’s your business, and who are your customers?

Karviva is built upon our strong belief in Food Is Better Medicine with a mission to empower people to make better choices to live healthier and happier lives. My team likes to say that we do so through my upbeat attitude and strong mind for business, and perpetual desire to listen to the customers. Karviva serves to continue to evolve and innovate to meet their needs and desires.

Karviva means compassion leads to a long life, and I believe it is extremely important to show compassion even during difficult times. We work closely with the communities and consumers we serve, and as a result, we have gained strong support from them.

Tell us about yourself

Angela Zeng is not the typical entrepreneur in the beverage industry. Her passion for natural healing is rooted in her strong belief in traditional Chinese medicine and herbal sciences. After completing her undergraduate degree in biochemistry, Zeng moved to the United States, where she completed her Ph.D. in Pathology, her MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University. Her research topics ranged from cardiovascular diseases to cancer.

In 2017, Angela combined her knowledge in both herbal and modern medical science and launched Karviva Beverage, now known as Karviva. Her delicious line of award-winning drinks includes

What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have to say it is the support from our customers, especially during the difficult times. I am very grateful to receive recognitions from different organizations too. Below is the list:

I have been recognized by the Women’s Business Development Center, a 501c(3) nationally recognized leader in the field of women’s economic development, and I was named one of St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s 2021 “Wonder Women,” an annual feature highlighting some of the area’s top women who are making a difference in the community. I have also received accolades from the St. Louis Business Journal as a 2020 Diverse Business Leader and 2022 Most Influential Business Women, in addition to an honor declared by the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri in March 2021 and 2021 Synergy Award Gold by USPAACC.

My strong passion for natural healing is rooted in my life-long belief in herbal science and profound experience in medical research, which was the focus of a feature produced by the Higher Education Channel in 2021, which won a 2021 Mid-America Emmy Award in the Business/Consumer Category. I have also been featured on the national program “Food is Love” on PBS.

What’s one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

In the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) market, competing with competitors who are backed by powerful legacy brands is never easy. The war on the shelves can be fierce and ruthless sometimes. It’s not the quality that wins shelf space but rather the resources behind it, which can create strong hurdles for young emerging brands to overcome.

What are the top tips you’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

My advice for all my fellow women business owners is, “Be a good learner and listener, work hard, and believe in yourself and those you serve.” A wise lady I met at an online art shop once told me, “When God gives a lemon, it is up to you to make it into a tasty lemonade or complain about its sourness and bitterness.” When you change your attitude, you change your altitude.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://karviva.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karvivawellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karvivawellness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karvivawellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelazeng1/

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Karviva's formulations are inspired by ancient food wisdom, designed to nourish Qi (the vital energy source) and Blood (key bodily nutrients). Our drinks uniquely focus on clean, nutrient-dense ingredients and formulations that maximize food synergies, adhering to principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. This holistic approach enhances the natural properties of each ingredient, offering unique health benefits.

Karviva Whole Plant Juices can be stored at room temperature. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within one week for optimal freshness.

Yes, daily consumption of Karviva Detox Juice, for instance, has led many customers to report health improvements after two weeks. However, individual experiences may vary.

Yes, our smoothies and coffee drinks need to be refrigerated and are best enjoyed within one to two days of opening.

Our all-natural, organic drinks are suitable for all, including pregnant women and children. We recommend checking for any personal food allergies.

Absolutely. Karviva drinks are an excellent choice for those managing blood sugar levels or reducing sugar and carb intake, thanks to their low glycemic index and beneficial ingredients like aronia berry and cinnamon.

We carefully select ingredients based on their ideal growth conditions to ensure their therapeutic benefits. Our sourcing strategy includes aronia berries from the Midwest USA, quinoa from Bolivia, oats from Sweden, black soybeans from northern China, and coffee beans from Mexico. Most fruits are sourced from Washington and California, with our sprouts grown hydroponically for quality assurance.

In line with Traditional Chinese Medicine beliefs, we understand that climate, soil, and water quality significantly affect the therapeutic powers of plants. This focus ensures the highest quality and effectiveness of our ingredients.