Min Ankh Re, The Man Behind Blue Nile Naturals
As a health store owner in Toronto, Min Ankh Re was inspired to open Toronto health store by his grandmother as a child when she lit a stick of scented incense in the home. He grew up seeing entrepreneurs in his community and was inspired to come up with an idea to help change the overall health and wellness of people's lives. Mins great grandfather had his own business in a shop tailoring suits and making close to customers. His grandfather went to college in Montreal, Toronto, and New York City which had a positive influence on Min's way of thinking.
After interviewing him about what matters to him the most about Blue Nile Naturals, here's what the CEO and proud father had to say.
1. Tell me a day in the life of Min Ankh Re.
At times I give out free samples to people to pick and choose scents of essential oils. A recent example is when I was getting my hair cut at Courtney's Barber Shop in Mississauga. One of his customers had a smell of our Egyptian Musk and requested to place an order. It is little things like this that make a difference in the client experience.
2. As a smart business man, who do you look up to?
Robert Kiyosaki, Warren Buffet, and my Lady Selket inspire me. To be more specific, Robert Kiyosaki taught me about cash flow in a business and how to be financially literate. I regularly read books about successful people to learn how they manage their time and overall life.
3. What new business tips do you have to offer for new entrepreneurs?
You have to have the right mindset to manage business cash flow and be financially literate successfully. I read a quote once that said: "your money in business will only grow to the extent that you do." It is better to focus on success, and the money will come. Find a mentor or a coach that is in the position that you want to be in life.
4. Where do you see Blue Nile Naturals in the next five years from now?
I oversee it being systemized with assistants as a passive business without me being there to manage it. Right now in the Greater Toronto Area, the feedback I have been getting about Blue Nile Natural products is positive. I was also at the African Convention of black authors and received an overwhelming reaction to our products.
5. What health tips do you want to share with your customers?
Eat healthy and organic foods. Do your best to eat less red meat and fried foods with water intake (8 glasses a day). Remember, after the age of 35 we lose hundreds of thousands of memory cells, and water intake will help to restore them. Exercise and live a simple, healthy lifestyle.
6. What are the top 3 best selling Blue Nile Naturals products?
1. NEEM vegetable based toothpaste - it is used with organic ingredients for centuries in India, and it has no fluoride which is cancer causing agent,
2. Coconut Organic Pomade - stimulates hair grown and softens skin.
3. Organic Soaps - the most favorite scents amongst Blue Nile Natural customers is petrol, coconut and peppermint.
7. Can share with us upcoming Blue Nile Natural products?
We are working with Br3athe as a new distributor of our products set up at the Albion Mall in Etobicoke, Ontario. The team sets up a kiosk which has been successful. Also, we will be working on skin cremes, incense, beard oils and aftershave balms.