Aarav Priyank Shah is a senior in the Biotechnology pathway.

Q: Could you briefly describe your business and what you sell?
A: The Choconies LLC is a vegan-based baked goods company where I sell cookies with a rotation of four flavors each month and soon transition to all Indian flavors since I specialize in Indian cuisine.

Q: How are these cookies made?
A: These cookies are all made in my house and are being approved by the county/state soon.

Q: What was the initial inspiration for starting this business?
A: The initial inspiration for this business was that my family suffers from diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrests from the foods we eat. I want people to eat whatever they want without giving it up. My cookies are vegan, low in sugar, calories, and fat, and use only eight whole-organic-certified ingredients.

Q: How was the process of starting the company? What issues have you faced?
A: It was easy at first until I ran into many severe problems, such as getting an LLC to file taxes, getting the appropriate clientele, and still being approved by the state/county, along with getting an inspection from the VDAC.

Q: How many cookies have you sold so far?
A: I’ve sold 400 cookies in 30 days, making $1000.

Q: What is special or unique about your cookies?
A: As mentioned, I make them vegan with no artificial flavorings/colorings, preservatives, or chemicals. They only have eight ingredients, are 6 oz. cookies, are freshly baked, and have on-time delivery. I have outstanding reviews from customers and

Q: How have you grown your business so far?
A: So far, it’s been through in-person contact, asking teachers in both ACL & FHS if they would like to try my cookies out, and through family, friends, and neighbors.

Q: What are the main issues you are facing right now?
A: Legalization, involving state/county approval (LLC) and kitchen inspection, marketing/clientele with getting exposure, and mentality. It’s hard to run a company, yet fun, and you really have to push and continue to make this work. People may not want you to succeed, and a business is to solve a problem, not make money. I’m in this for the long-run game, and I will likely not make money for years and run into unexpected situations with great successes and unimaginable failures. I need to be a strong individual willing to work the hours without pay, and give the business my 100% every day no matter what, and keep trying. Without trying, you’ll be sure to fail.

 

interviewed by Nikhil Limgala

reviewed by Saanvi Gutta