We had the good fortune of connecting with Dario Tobia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dario, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As an Italian, I grew up appreciating the high standards of our manufacturing industry. We are known for our meticulous attention to detail, quality of ingredients, and the aesthetics of our products. This dedication to perfection is a source of pride, but it can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture, such as effective commercialization, marketing, and logistics.
To bridge this gap, I moved to the United States to study business. This experience taught me how to take an idea from inception to startup and beyond. I learned that to succeed, a product must be significantly better than the competition and offer unique qualities that customers value. It also needs to align with the latest trends.
In my business, I focus on creating premium, high-quality products rather than competing in the mass market. The mass market is dominated by large companies, making it a tough battleground. Instead, I aim to produce exceptional products that stand out for their quality and appeal to customers who appreciate excellence.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Kefir Lab, we’re committed to enhancing health through gut wellness. Our kefir and probiotic shots feature 100 trillion probiotics per serving, several science-based probiotic strains, and with no added sugar, offering a premium solution for restoring gut balance and addressing health issues.
Launching Kefir Lab during the COVID-19 pandemic was incredibly challenging. With low initial revenue and limited resources, we faced difficulties managing production, ensuring quality, and coordinating with vendors. Yet, our dedication and innovation helped us navigate these obstacles.
We’ve learned the value of resilience and adaptability, and we’re proud to provide a product that genuinely improves health and well-being. Kefir Lab is more than a brand; it’s a promise of top-notch quality and effectiveness.
When facing business challenges, it’s essential to stick to your promises and ensure quality doesn’t slip. Managing growth carefully is also important to prevent any harm to your brand. Sometimes, saying no to certain opportunities is necessary to protect your brand’s reputation and maintain long-term success.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were showing friends around LA, I’d take them to Griffith Observatory for stunning views, Beverly Hills to experience its elegance and charm, and Santa Monica for the beach and boardwalk. Erewhon is a must-visit to explore the most innovative health food store in the world with all the latest trends. Hollywood’s landmarks or a hike to the Hollywood Sign would be exciting, and relaxing in Griffith Park is always a good idea. Finally, I’d wrap up with brunch and a sunset view from The Getty Center or a rooftop bar.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my gratitude to several key people and groups who have played an essential role in my journey. First and foremost, my family, who have always been my rock, providing unwavering support and encouragement. To my friends, thank you for being there through all the ups and downs, always ready with advice, support, and a listening ear.
I am also immensely grateful to my network of fellow entrepreneurs. Their insights, shared experiences, and friendship have been invaluable in navigating the ups and downs of building a business. Their collective wisdom and support have greatly contributed to my growth and success.
Finally, a special shoutout to my wife, whose love, patience, and belief in me have been a constant source of strength. Her partnership and understanding have been crucial in every step of this journey.
To all these incredible people, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your support and encouragement have been the foundation of my success.
Website: https://kefirlab.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dario_tobia/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariotobia/