“Just go for it. Be ready to work hard, put in a lot of time and energy, but just go for it.” – Kendel Locke
In a world where fast food and drive-thrus often equate to calorie-heavy, unhealthy choices, Kendel Locke saw an opportunity. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she turned an entrepreneurial experiment into a vibrant, community-rooted business providing healthy options for on-the-go folks in her hometown of Hannibal. What started as a “mini business” for a grad school resume evolved into the full-fledged venture, Hula Bowls, serving up fresh, allergy-friendly acai bowls with a side of inspiration.
Unlike the many entrepreneurs before her, Kendel never planned on becoming a business owner. Originally intending to pursue a medical career, Locke quickly pivoted upon realizing that squeamishness around blood might complicate that dream, so she dove into the world of marketing, but the universe had other plans. Her self described “little three-month project” caught fire, gaining unexpected traction and a devoted following among America’s Hometown and beyond.
When choosing what type of business to start, Kendel knew she wanted to do something different. “I wasn’t really looking for something that I knew would be successful…I was looking for more of a challenge,” she says. That’s how she landed on acai bowls. Although growing in popularity in major metropolitan areas, acai bowls were a rarity in the tri-state area. It was a choice not rooted in guaranteed success, but rather in curiosity and the courage to take a risk. “I thought, Maybe they don’t necessarily think they want this, but I could work really hard and convince them they do.”
Since those early days, Hula Bowls has evolved from an impromptu summer endeavor into a local favorite with big ambitions. Kendel’s acai bowls have not only filled a gap in the Hannibal market, but they’ve also become a beloved staple, catering to everyone from health enthusiasts to busy parents needing quick, nutritious options for their families. Kendel has her sights set on expanding to new locations and eventually growing Hula Bowls beyond Hannibal and Quincy, creating a legacy of health-conscious, customer-centered eateries that make nutritious eating accessible.
Kendel’s tenacity has inspired countless others to chase their dreams with the same fearless determination. Her advice for budding entrepreneurs? It’s simple but profound: “Honestly, you just go for it. Go with the confidence that even if you fail, you’ll learn something.” Kendel embodies that lesson, transforming what could have been a temporary endeavor into a growing business that brings health-conscious choices to her community.
With a work ethic as bold as her ambitions, Kendel finds joy in the whirlwind of business growth. “Honestly, it’s been a complete whirlwind,” she says with a laugh. “It took off without me, and I just had to catch up.” Despite the unexpected growth, she approaches her goals with precision, planning each step carefully, adjusting, and pivoting along the way. “While it’s been completely unexpected, it’s also definitely been calculated. I’ve always planned what I’m gonna do and worked toward my goals, and then when I meet one, I go for the next. But it’s just been such a journey, and I’ve honestly loved it.”
One of Kendel’s favorite aspects of running Hula Bowls is the chance to inspire other young entrepreneurs. She loves sharing advice with ambitious high schoolers and college students who want to carve their paths in business but may be unsure where to start. For her, it’s about creating a welcoming space where people can ask questions and learn without judgment. “I think they feel more comfortable asking some of the questions that may feel silly,” Kendel reflects, “like ‘How do you set up a tax account?’ or other questions that some might think are going to be common knowledge, but they don’t necessarily want to ask, so they will ask me, and I like being able to help them through the process.”
As her journey continues, Kendel’s impact only grows. Whether it’s talking to high school classes about entrepreneurship, or sponsoring breast cancer awareness initiatives, Kendel is paying it forward. She’s using her success not only to fuel her dreams but to lift others up along the way, creating connections and empowering young people to follow in her footsteps. For her, the most rewarding part of it all is seeing the difference she makes for her customers, particularly those with specific dietary needs who now have a local option they can trust. “I knew that there was a gap in the market and that there weren’t very many, or hardly any drive through options for people looking for healthy foods or people with allergies or dietary restrictions, so just being able to offer that convenient experience to a lot of customers that maybe have celiac disease or are vegetarian or vegan or just looking for healthier food has been something I’ve enjoyed seeing the impact of. It’s just been nice being able to open that door for them and then also hear their gratitude and how I’ve helped their lives.”
In a way, Kendel’s story is more than just one of entrepreneurial success. It’s a tale of community, growth, and proving that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. “You never know what you’re capable of until you try,” she would tell you, and her thriving business is living proof.
Want to hear from more female entrepreneurs and leaders?