Local Business Profiles June 20, 2019

Nautical Bowls in Minnetonka, meet the Founder Rachel Amundson

What made you decide to open this business?

Bryant and I wanted to start a business, we were playing around with a bunch of different ideas. We are both very entrepreneurial. I went to school in Southern California where acai bowl stores like this are all over, and there are none in MN. Ok, competitive advantage, fun place to start, a good market. I grew up in Minnetonka, so I wanted to be here and I love the community. The word of mouth has been awesome. It has been great being here and has so far surpassed expectations, and we are super thankful for that.

What has surprised you most when owning a business?

Balance is not a thing. There will always be things we are trying to balance and it is all about how me manage the different tensions pulling us here and there.

What was it like when you first started?

Very very very busy! Learned something new every 10 minutes! We were pretty much working non-stop. We had to be flexible and game for whatever obstacle came our way, because there were plenty! But it was ultimately very fun and exciting. Looking back, it seems pretty surreal and it all happened SO fast.

What would your customers say they love most about your business?

Customers love our atmosphere! We aim for an uplifting, positive environment and we are told that is what people love. Goal accomplished!

What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?

I like that I get to do whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. It is a lot of work, but I get to stay home with Oliver and then I bring him everywhere I go. I get to create that schedule, a lot of freedom.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?

It is not even close to easy. Advice would be you have to be willing to put in the work and think it through.

Why do you think it’s important for people to shop local?

It is fun to have an authentic piece to it, so going and supporting small businesses, you know where it is coming from, you know the hard work behind it. You become way more loyal to that product, because you know the heart behind it.

What are your favorite things to do in the neighborhood?

I love the lake, obsessed with the lake! That is why it is Nautical Bowls, has nothing to do with the bowl, it is just nautical so we can decorate it like the lake. Bryant and I both are adventurous, love to travel, be outside. We are diehard Minnesotans. Love the trails. I just love the lake. I run on the lake in the winter too.

Anything exciting going on that customers should know about?

We are building out a food truck for the upcoming season! Now booking!!