Meet Vincent Dotson | Owner of Luv Mylk

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vincent Dotson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vincent, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, there was a lot running through my mind. Excitement, nervousness, fear, joy and many other feelings. After going through those emotions I began gameplanning. Figuring out the details of everything such as permits, licenses, setting up accounts, insurance , creating a business plan and most important how far do I want to take this. Unless it’s not your first business a lot of the learning is on the go but I think that’s the only way to get the experience or knowledge. I felt confident in Luv Mylk but for me it was figuring out how to get to the people to try. Which thankfully living in San Diego and farmers market being such a huge thing it gave me pathway to venture to get Luv mylk to the public. Other things I spent time thinking about is capital. How much money will this take and how much do I have to use? I created a business plan and calculated the start up costs but you end up spending way past that. So many unforeseen things can occur which can add couple hundred or thousand to your costs. I used pretty much all of my savings to kick my business off, I felt sure in myself to take the risk. As well as I didn’t want to try to find an investor because I felt worried that my vision would then be changed to fit someone else’s ideas. The thing I spent thinking the most about is how do I turn my dreams into a reality, and what would I be willing to sacrifice to make those dreams come true. Because at the end of the day it’s all up to you, not your friends, your parents,or family, just you. I knew I was willing to put heart and soul behind this, staying up late and waking up early. Missing out trips, going out, a lot of extra free time. Sitting with myself and understanding this road is a long road, that will take lots of time, patience, consistency, and disciple. After taking that time I knew I was ready to start this and wouldn’t look back. I’m glad I chose to start Luv Mylk, believing in myself , and in my vision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Luv Mylk is a non-dairy milk with hemp seeds as its base. I think instantly with me using hemps seeds sets me apart from most non-dairy businesses. None compare to the benefits you get when taking in hemp seeds. Most people who are lactose intolerant or just dairy free by choice usually consume almond or oat based things which I get to educate people on what hemps can do for you. For example being a complete protein which is having all 9 essential amino acids to make it up. I’m most excited to just have Luv Mylk across the world but more importantly knowing that it will change peoples lives in healthier way. I got here by a combination of hard work and luck. Staying focused what’s important and things just aligning in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m extremely blessed to make it to this point, 3-4 years ago I couldn’t say I would be here at this point with my own business. The journey getting here wasn’t easy at all, a lot failures took place. As well as a lot of grown and understanding internally too. I overcame the challenges by believing in myself, there were times when I felt alone or had anyone in my corner to get through tough times but having faith in myself and my beliefs got me to where I’m at today. The lessons I’ve learned that were and still important to me is just having patience. The times I tried to force things to happen is when I made more mistake rather than just being patience and controlling the things that are in my control. I want the world to know, that Luv Mylk is on it’s way. Slowly but surely it will be seen on a global scale and that I am putting all my love, and energy into this. That I’m just grateful for everyone and everything that’s taking place so far while on this journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many options! Just to list some off I would take them downtown to gaslamp, little italy, the waterfront, north park/balboa, and the beach (OB or PB). I think eating would depend on the mood, little italy for great italian cuisine and downtown for just a fine dining experience. Also would venture to convoy for some bomb asian cuisine like the dumpling inn. For drinks in the day time I would go Pacific Beach to be by the water and catch a great sunset, and night would most likely be downtown in the gaslamp or little italy area. It’s also a vibe in North Park too though If we are just hanging out, vibing would walk around north park some then slide over to Kate Sessions Memorial Park or Sunset Cliffs to see the sunset. I think Balboa Park is interesting just because it offers a lot, from the zoo, to the museums , and gardens there’s just so much to check out. I honestly don’t think you could go wrong with any of those areas, North Park , downtown, or by the beach, they all carry their own kind of vibe which I think is dope.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Whew, there’s a lot people I am extremely grateful for. First and foremost my parents, they sacrificed and did so much for me to get from Saint Louis, Missouri to San Diego. Without them I wouldn’t have been in this position to have my own business. After would be my friends Austin, Mikey and Josh who helped me in multiple ways in the early stages of Luv Mylk with my website, photography, doing a sampling event, connecting me with a graphic designer and just instilling confidence in what I am doing. I also wanted to do a huge shout out to Liz, the mother of my daughter. My daughter was born about 3 months after I officially launched and I was in full swing with Luv Mylk while figuring out how to be a parent/dad. With her being on maternity leave, she supported in me continuing to do my markets/events while she watched our daughter until she was ready and able to go back to work herself. Which allowed me to create some good traction out of the gate with Luv Mylk and just having the confidence in me, it’s more appreciated that words can express. As well as my baby girl Emani, even though she’s not even 1 yet. She inspires me to be the best version of myself, to never give up and keep moving forward. Last but not least just anyone I’ve met while on my journey, from my business mentor, my barber, Blue, to new friends, other vendors, people who buy Luv Mylk or even tried samples. I’m just so grateful to be doing what I believe I’m meant to do and making new connections along the way. The love, support, and encouragement has been amazing.

Website: www.luvmylk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvmylksandiego/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luv-mylk/