The Everyday Girl Boss: Brooke Bedsaul

I met Brooke a couple of years ago in Myrtle Beach, SC at my cousin’s Graduation. A few years later we would even vacation together in the Dominican Republic (what a great time we had!). She has such a bubbly personality, is super sweet and also happens to be an awesome surfer. She’s even traveled and lived in some amazing places, like Hawaii, to catch bigger and better waves. After settling down back home in Myrtle Beach, she decided to open up her own açaí bowl shop and has been dedicated to it for the past two years.

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When I was in college, I discovered another passion of mine which was healthy eating/fitness. This led me into wanting to try new fruits, veggies, and anything healthy! Being a surfer, I wanted to be the healthiest version of me. After college, I lived in California and then Maui and then Florida doing various jobs before I settled back home here in North Myrtle Beach. 

At this point I was in between jobs and had the idea in mind that I would love to own my own business but wasn’t sure of what kind. I wanted to tie in surfing and healthy eating because those were my passions. That’s when the aloha theme of Shaka-Laka Bowls came to life! I found a spot near the beach and my mom and dad helped me get it up and running in no time. It all just kinda fell into place! 

What does it mean to you to be a #GIRLBOSS?
Being a girl boss means having the drive and courage to step out of your comfort zone and stick with your dream during the good and the bad! Girl bosses are hustlers and are capable of so much! I think of myself as a girl boss as I’ve had the advantage of always having that go-getter personality and always diving into something head first. If I’m in something, I’m all in. I refuse to never give up on something I want.

I get to hustle really hard all year and I take off the months of December and January…I have to sneak off on surf trips sometimes right? Haha!

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in being a business owner?
Along with all of the positive things with owning your own business, it is not always fun and games. It’s way more work and stress than I ever imagined. I am the boss, employee (besides my hustler mom), marketing gal, fruit runner, and all of the book work/money behind the scenes things that nobody sees.

We had a slow start here due to opening up in the off season and not being at a location with much foot traffic, and so people still weren’t familiar with açaí bowls. Thankfully, this year we have done much better and can say we are pretty established. People are hooked on açaí now!

Is there a moment during your career that stands out to you and validates your decision to become a Girl Boss?
There isn’t just one moment but I would say this summer has made it clear to me that this is what I’m meant to do. We have had so many repeat customers, gained so many local friends and when someone leaves from vacation and stops by to tell us that we made their vacation and made them feel welcome here, that’s all I ever wanted.

What advice would you give to aspiring Girl Bosses?
If you want something, simply go for it! Surround yourself with people that believe in you, but at the end of the day the most important thing is you believe in yourself. The mind is so powerful and you need to truly believe you are capable of anything! Don’t be afraid to start small and then grow your business as you’re ready to.

Also, my biggest advice would be don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t go home and worry about every little thing that might have gone wrong. I used to do this all the time! I have learned to do my best and treat everyone with kindness and at the end of the day I’m still new to the business. I’m still human and make mistakes daily but I learn and grow as I go! 🙂