Founder Spotlight: Maya Ayed (Alya)
Meet Maya Ayed:
The Mediterranean diet in a bottle, starting with extra-virgin olive oil shots.
Location:
New York, New York, USA
When did you launch the business?
August 2024
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Startup Stage?
Bootstrapped
What led you to where you are today?
Believing in myself when no one else does. Give my 110% every day (even when not feeling like it). I was fed up with how complicated, overwhelming, and expensive it is to get proper nutrition. When I went back home and spent time at my family’s estate, where we produce extra virgin olive oil, I realized how much this simple ingredient plays a huge role in the health benefits of our food. Knowing how busy everyone is these days, I decided to make things easier by creating the first-ever extra virgin olive oil shots—perfect for taking on an empty stomach or before your first meal.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish that I've (fully) embarked on it sooner than later. I believe you learn everything about life (and yourself) when you work on a project of your own and learn how to fail and get back up. I wish I've learned sooner how to sell. This is by far the most important skill you need. It doesn't matter if you have a great product, if you don't know how to sell it, it's dead.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
Choosing the right channel to launch! (D2C or B2B)
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
If you're open to sharing your health journey with me, I'm sure I can help you guide you in the right direction. Having navigated the health care and food system, I've built my own protocol.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
I'm always down to chat with anyone interested in gut health! I'm doing some market research and offering a free bottle to those who are willing to share their health journey with me. Also, if you know a food scientist or nutritionist, I’d love to connect!
Fun fact about you:
I learned how to DJ during COVID and ended up playing at all major clubs in San Francisco. LOL
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