Meet Kevin McElhannon | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin McElhannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The creation of The Organic Option started with the desire to help others live a healthier lifestyle. My dad has been making tinctures and herbal capsules for family and friends since 2016. I’ve always known it to be effective for myself and anyone who tried it, but I never had any desire to start a business from it. Once Covid 19 came into play and I saw how many people were afraid to have human interaction I felt the urge to share with others the remedies my family had. I told my dad, “I think we should make what we have available to the public. People should know that there are natural/organic options out there that can keep their immune system strong.” From that day forward, I began working on all the things that go into building a business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Prior to The Organic Option, I worked in the world of TV/Film. I’ve always enjoyed taking an idea and turning it into something that others can enjoy. I started in that industry similarly to how I started in the business I have now. I wanted to help a friend who needed a music video. So I rented a camera and taught myself to edit and work a camera. From there it snowballed into more serious projects. I’m proud to say that I worked on short films, feature length films, and even as a producer on a popular Netflix show. While it was fun, I can’t say it was always easy. That industry comes with a lot of uncertainty regarding where your next paycheck will come from. You have to have a certain level of belief in yourself and your abilities to have that kind of career. Running a business is no different. Nothing is guaranteed, but with the right amount of belief and ability to adjust you can make it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would tell my friend to check out the Vegan exchange in North Hollywood. They always have a good variety of your favorite foods, but vegan style. Of course we’d do a beach trip. Venice if they want to see some activity or take a drive up to matador beach if they want to see the water.

Breakfast spots would include The coffee company near LAX, The Overland for the bottomless mimosas, and The Waffle on sunset. If we have time to go to the valley I’d suggest More Than Waffles and Cici’s cafe.

If they’re outdoorsy I’d suggest a hike up to the Hollywood sign or going to see the Griffith observatory. If they want a nice view with minimal effort then I’d suggest going to Kenneth Hahn park.

Some of my favorite lunch places would include Simply wholesome, sugar taco, and Simply Salad.

Acai bowl from Ubatuba Acai or Handel’s Ice cream if you like handmade ice cream

I personally think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by coming to Los Angeles and not going somewhere to see a view. I think it’s a must that any person visiting has to take a trip to Mullholland Drive and see some of the sunset views.

Other notable mentions include The Marathon Store, Staples center/LA Live, and SOFI stadium.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people were important in the development of this business. Of course my father was where this all started. I appreciate him educating himself and sharing that knowledge with myself and the rest of the family. I would also like to shoutout my mother. She has been a nurse for over 20 years and after hearing her tell me how much the products worked for her, I knew it was the real deal. She actually helped get a lot of our first sales by sharing the product with her co workers and friends in the medical industry. My cousin Keith Goodnews was a big help as well. I had a general idea for a logo and he turned it into more than I would have imagined. Last, but not least I’d like to shout out my good friend Gautier Booker of Urban Trademark, who was instrumental in design of our packaging. As a fashion designer he has a really good eye for aesthetics, and his input helped us stand out amongst the crowd

Website: www.trytheorganicoption.com

Instagram: @trytheorganicoption

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trytheorganicoption

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSUTs66_VfQef2sZu5S4BA

Image Credits
MoreUnique Photography