Aviatra of the Week: Karen Durbin of Prepped Girl
What exactly is your business?
My business is called Prepped Girl. We are a local meal prep company making and delivering healthy breakfasts and lunches. We make all the meals from scratch using wholesome, nutritious ingredients. We deliver early Sunday morning so our customers are ready to just grab and go Monday morning.
How did you come up with your business idea?
I started out as an online health and fitness coach through Beachbody. Time and time again I heard people say, “I would _____________ if I only had the time.” I was standing in my bedroom telling my husband that there has to be a way to help people with this “time” issue when I felt the idea just download. I turned to my husband and said, “I got it. We’ll start a meal prep company…” I chose to make breakfasts and lunches because I feel that these are the two meals that get shortchanged by busy people. And, I felt there were enough dinner companies out there.
How did you find out about Aviatra?
I felt very lost during my first year of business and knew I needed to find people to guide me. I learned about both Aviatra and Ocean then. I chose Ocean in the beginning because they were faith based, and I felt I needed that, but the program seemed to be more for people who were working on developing their ideas rather than growing an already launched business. I met another food-based entrepreneur through the kitchen I worked out of (she is HIGHLY successful) who went through Aviatra. “They” say that success leaves clues, so when I saw the email about the LAUNCH program, I just knew I had to get in.
What is your inspiration?
I have several:
1) Helping people eat healthy. I know how the quality of my life changed when I changed what I ate, and I want other people—especially women—to have that same life changing effect.
2) I want to change my family’s life financially. I want to contribute to the family budget.
3) I want to show my daughters that they can be whatever/whomever they decide to be, and that we don’t just have to be “one thing” our whole lives. I want them to know that life is a journey; that we are always learning and growing and becoming.
4) My husband who put the bug in my ear to own my own business.
5) I just thought, “Why not me too?”
What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business so far? 
That I am getting ready to start year 3. That I have juggled a teaching career, starting/building a business, and being a wife and mom. And that I have grooooowwwwnnnnn so much as a human being. Learning to become a successful businesswoman is probably by far my greatest accomplishment yet.
What was the most valuable thing you gained from your experience with Aviatra?
Well, we are still early in the program, by getting to work with my mentor Lacy Starling has been so transformative. I feel supported and encouraged and no longer alone.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business?
Money, of course, but also having limited resources (like people to ask questions, etc.). Also, my mindset. I officially launched my business in August and then sat like a deer in the headlights until January. I had a lot of inner work to do and fears to overcome. I knew the business was a good idea, but I did not believe in myself enough to really step into it. Where do you hope to be in 5 years? The business supports me financially and pays employees. And we have our own delivery system with trucks and drivers and such. We have our own kitchen space downtown where we can make the food and people can pop in and take food with them. Prepped Girl is franchised with several successful locations in the country.
Any advice for future Aviatras?
Just do it even when you are fearful—especially when you are fearful. And use the support and tools that Aviatra provides.
Where can we keep up with you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preppedgirl/
Instagram: @prepped_girl
Website: www.preppedgirl.com
