What do you do?

The Chaga Company sources out the finest Chaga that we infuse into drinks, treats, snacks, and spices. Chaga is a superfood closely related to truffle with the highest known immune-modulating properties and antioxidants. Chaga has 35x higher antioxidants than acai with a versatile vanilla flavor.

What inspired you to start your business?

I discovered Chaga in Alaska while on a summer work adventure. I decided to take the Chaga home to San Francisco and expand my business. Chaga has personally changed my life and my body and it behooves me to broadcast it to everyone.

What's special about your business?

The Chaga Company sources out the finest Chaga in the United States and makes the best-tasting, highest-antioxidant treats, and beverages. The Chaga Company is an innovator that is the first to bring Chaga chocolate and Chaga salt.

What have been the high and low points of being a business owner?

The highs of being a business owner are attaining goals and breaking through barriers. The lows are lack of funding, making timelines and goals, and learning how to be patient in scaling the company.

What influenced you to seek help from SCORE?

Knowing that there are successful entrepreneurs willing to help out new entrepreneurs influenced me to request a mentor.

How SCORE helped.

My mentor, Pete continues to guide me while I grow the company through tasks such as preparing the elevator pitch, looking for future scale possibilities, redefining my wholesale and retail distribution, and securing my place in the market.

What's great about my mentor?

Pete Slosberg is GOLD. From securing my position in the market, redefining our sales sheet, providing guidance on the core values and driving force of the company, recommending new marketing strategies, and suggesting unique customer acquisition approaches.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a small business?

Find a mentor, listen to your mentor, and keep pushing. Don't get intimidated by the daunting work of running a business. Set goals for yourself and with your SCORE mentor.

What have you learned from your experiences as a business owner?

I've learned how to be patient and consistent. Consistency and being there for clients are important, with a focus on customer service and consistent product delivery.

Additional media My mentors

Pete Slosberg

"If you build it, they will come" is not a saying Pete believes in. It takes a lot more than making...

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