Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sabrina Jawer, Owner of Amsterdam Wine Co., located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a neighborhood wine shop in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York. Our customers vary but include anyone 21 years of age and older. Our customers include people who live in the Upper West, work at Lincoln Center nearby, and we ship wine across the country.

Tell us about yourself

After working in commercial real estate for a few years after college, I started taking wine classes for fun through the WSET. By chance, I discovered a Masters in Wine Management program through the Culinary Institute of America's Greystone campus and applied and immediately moved to Napa in August 2019 to study and live for the next two years. I am motivated by my desire to learn more about wine, who makes it, and why. The history, stories, and terroir keep me engaged.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Bringing in an unknown wine/grape to the store, and it sells. I love introducing people to wines they would normally not buy and seeing them get them again.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

New York City rent. Also, balancing what I want to keep on the shelves with what I want to take home (although that is very wine-ship specific).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hard work is essential but does not underestimate how much luck can play a part in your success.
  2. Making more money doesn't guarantee happiness; find something you are generally excited about.
  3. Get 8 hours of sleep. It is so important.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://amsterdamwine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amsterdamwineco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amsterdamwineco/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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