Emma's Premium Services
Launching a 7-figure store with $2200 in the bank
"If money is the only motivation, you will likely quit before your vision grows to the point where you are rewarded for your sacrifices."
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Anton, I am the founder and CEO of Emmaspremiumservices.com.
What is Emma's Premium Services?
Emma's Premium is a startup created to ease the strain on families with incarcerated loved ones. Our platform is a mobile accessible site allowing families to select from 4000 pre approved items, and ship them to their loved one directly at a correctional facility- within minutes.
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
This platform was created during my time spent incarcerated, specifically when in solitary confinement drawing up imaginary business plans to pass the time. I realized that the difficulty my mother faced when sending a package, was not an isolated problem and rather one that millions of families faced.
Take us through the process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
The company was launched on a kitchen table, where we assorted the first 2 or 3 orders. Since that time we moved from kitchen table, to basement, to garage, to commercial space employing a team of 12.
Describe the process of launching the business.
Launching the business was difficult. I launched the company with $2200, all I had at the time. To complicate the launch more, I had no experience building a website, marketing a brand, or organizing a supply chain. I had no resources to lean on, or mentors to reach out to. Each step of the process was a learning experience but in retrospect, it turned out to be an advantage. Today I am familiar with all elements of the business and have been able to grow the company to 7 figure sales.
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
Since launching, our year over year growth has been exponential. This is attributed most to a customer centered approach to resolving any issues, We built our operation around fulfilling orders the next day which has been something our competitors have not been able to do. To date we have reached over 1 Million people.
What's the reason customers pick Emma's Premium Services over your competitors?
Typically, our competitors provided canned foods. While incarcerated I quickly realized this shouldn't be the only option. I created a platform that ships fresh produce, fresh meat items, and other goods not typically provided which has put us ahead of our competitors.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
Today we are growing rapidly and increasing how efficient our operation is on a daily basis. We are looking to handle an increased order volume for Q3 and Q4 while decreasing fulfillment lead times. I see the company serving correctional systems across the country.
Since starting the business, what's the number 1 thing you have learned?
Since launching the business, I learned that problems are not to be avoided, but addressed. All of our innovation has come from problems we face. I look to create a culture where we grow from each problem we face.
What platform/tools do you use for your business?
The company is built on shopify, which is an amazing platform that allows employees to communicate and manage large order volumes. The platform has given us the ability to scale and customize to fit our specific needs.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
The most influential resources to me personally- my answer should be my MBA from Rutgers business school. But to be honest, it was the youtube videos I watched at 3am on warehouse structure and organization, employee structuring, and supply chain building. Youtube is an amazing resource, available to anyone, at no cost.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
My advice to entrepreneurs is to chase a purpose, not a dollar. The sacrifices you will have to make to be successful can only be sustained by a purpose, I believe those who begin companies solely for profit, make up the 90% + of businesses that fail. If money is the only motivation, you will likely quit before your vision grows to the point where you are rewarded for your sacrifices.
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Emma's Premium Services - Customer Reviews
Emma's Premium Services has a rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 based on 316 customer reviews.
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Emma's Premium Services is the greatest services I have ever used. I used Emma's Service for the first time in April of 2020 and they were true to their word in delivering foods to my love one and it was delivered on time. I love Emma's deliveries, because they deliver by Fed-Ex and no foods are spoil and you get a receipt by email of all transactions after your foods are delivered. Emma's have great prices and a variety of all items your love one may need and can have. I will order from Emma's Services always. Thank you Emma's, you are the BEST!
cora williams
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This was the first time ever having to send products and food to a loved one. As well, I’m doing all of this from Canada. Emma’s made it so easy and kept me updated completely throughout the process. All done with the fullest of respect and dignity. This service has no equal. Thank you from myself and my family for your services. Clyde
Clyde jennings
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Emma’s is a very professional business. Product choices are great with great pricing and fast service.
Lynn Breinlinger
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Emma’s Premium Services is the best company to order from. My loved one was NEVER disappointed by any package they have ever received. The food is top quality and they ship very fast! The customer support team has also helped me with any question or issue I may have had. I am very pleased with this company and will continue to order from them in the future! 🙂
Brianna
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