Name: Emily McIntyre
Business Name: Catalyst Trade
Location: Portland, USA
Establishment (Year): 2018
Category/Industry: Business Services
Profession/ Specialty: Import/Export
Website: www.catalyst-trade.com
Social Media: LinkedIn
Company Detail:
Catalyst Trade is a boutique coffee sourcing and quality control company focused on Ethiopia and Peru, specializing in the most premium coffees. Their products have won many awards including at least one Good Food Award every year consecutive since 2018.
Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:
They guarantee quality in a way most people can only dream of. And, everything they do benefits the producers of coffee in Ethiopia and Peru.
Challenges Faced During the Journey:
She has overcome so many challenges to reach her current state. These include:
Being raised in a cult and taught she couldn't have an education or career, but founding her first business at the age of 13.
Closing a $1.8M buyout with a hostile investor whose stated intention was to make her hurt.
Leading and scaling a company in extremely challenging circumstances including COGS increasing more than 50% in 18 months, constant lack of finance access, and in an industry dominated by huge players.
Navigating the extreme challenges of the pandemic with her business and growing it year over year.
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:
Don't be afraid to fail, or to admit you don't know something. Raise your hand for the tough stuff that interests you, and then figure out how to over deliver. You have no idea how HUGE you can become until you get there.
