In this episode, Chris talks with Kristen Del Dosso, owner of KDD Nutraceuticals. Since launching her business mid-pandemic, Kristen has created a family of products aimed at helping others overcome nausea and enjoy life to the fullest.  

In one year, Kristen’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, her father had hip replacement surgery, and the stress of her corporate job had Kristen’s doctor worried she’d have a stroke at any moment. With a new understanding of life’s fragility, Kristen decided it was time for a change. She had two big goals on her bucket list: leave her professional track and hike Mount Whitney. Eventually, Kristen found herself achieving both simultaneously – earning an MBA while training to hike the infamous peak. 

Unfortunately, Kristen’s twenty-hour hike was derailed by motion sickness and the sugar-filled protein bars in her back pocket only made things worse. The top of her mountain didn’t look at all like she’d imagined or trained so hard for. Inspired by her plight and the entrepreneurship courses at UC Irvine, Kristen began the process of launching an all-natural, anti-nausea chew with the support of her classmates, friends, and family.

Chris and Kristen discuss building a personal brand, finding a support system, and the one crucial step rising entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large corporations always forget. 

“Even though I keep seeing the money go out, I keep getting these positive testimonials back. That is honestly what’s fueling me to keep on going. It’s not a, ‘I want to create a company,’ it’s, ‘I have to create a company because my chews help people feel better.’” ~ Kristen Del Dosso

Main takeaways 

• Analyzing the economic cost of leaving your day job for entrepreneurship can feel agonizing. Instead, break larger goals into smaller chunks and work backward. 


• Find a support system that’s like-minded, on a similar trajectory, and wants to see you succeed. They will help you celebrate wins and learn from missteps along the way.


• As an entrepreneur, creating a personal brand is just as important as building your business brand. Even your personal social media accounts are a reflection of your business.


• You should feel valued and cherished in your professional life. If you don’t, find someplace that will appreciate your unique skill set. 


• Don’t dip your toes into entrepreneurship. Jump in head-first, ideally backed by a strong support system. 

Links

• Kristen on LinkedIn


• KDD Nutraceuticals


• KDD Nutraceuticals on Instagram


• UCI Paul Merage School of Business


• The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge 


• I-Corps


• UCI Beall Applied Innovation


• UCI New Venture Competition 


• 1 Million Cups


• 1 Million Cups Irvine


• Microsoft Excel

Connect with Chris

• Chris Struckhoff website


• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn


• Follow Chris on Twitter

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