Hand-crafted Cocktail Bitters

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Latimer, Owner of Bitters Lab, located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

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

Bitters Lab is a woman-owned cocktail bitters company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our customers are anyone who is interested in learning about using bitters in their drinks and also in food. We always say our bitters are thoughtfully crafted for cocktails, cooking, and baking! Bitters are interesting and complex. Their flavor profiles range from earthy to savory and, yes, of course, bitter. The more primary tastes you can incorporate into your recipes, the more interesting they'll be - bitters help you do that.

Tell us about yourself

In 2008 I was a cake designer and decided to try making my own extracts and flavorings, but with real, quality ingredients. Around the same time, I also developed an obsession with whiskey, handcrafted cocktails, and their relationship with bitters. This obsession led me to begin experimenting with making my own bitters (the process in which they're made is similar to making extracts) in the basement of my home (eventually dubbed "the bitters lab" by friends). After many years of testing and perfecting recipes, I was burnt out with the wedding industry and looking for another way to express myself creatively, so I decided it was time to share my bitters with the community.

In 2014 I created Bittersweet Fruit and launched it at the local farmers markets. At Bittersweet, I served brûléed fruit made with organic bitters-infused sugars and a bit of fire. I found during my time with Bittersweet that people not only loved the desserts, but everyone kept wondering when they could get their hands on the bitters. So, at the end of the Farmers Market season, I decided to close Bittersweet and re-launch as Bitters Lab, Utah's first premium cocktail bitters company, in January 2015.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe cocktails can foster creativity, joy, and community. Since our inception, we have been committed to supporting our local community - we do this by investing in our community by purchasing from and partnering with local small businesses, farmers, and non-profits and by donating around 5% of our profits each year to organizations locally that align with our mission and goals.

We've partnered with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey on several virtual cocktail classes during the pandemic, and we also crafted a Barrel Aged Bitters using one of their 1856 barrels - all of which resulted in donations being made to several different organizations.

We've also partnered with Beehive Distillery and crafted a Gin-based & Barrel Aged bitters, the first of its kind. Our partnerships also include non-profits like The Green Urban Lunchbox and One Small Miracle. Partnerships and giving back are a core part of what we do, and the relationships we've formed are by far my proudest accomplishment.

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

One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is the uncertainty. The lows feel lower, and the highs feel higher when compared to my experience in the corporate world (before I was a baker, I worked in Healthcare). It did take some time to get used to the ebbs and flows, but I feel more comfortable with that aspect, and the freedom I have outweighs any of that.

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

Get clear on what your missions and goals are. I'm not talking JUST financially (sure, you want to be profitable, of course), but what will your business or you as an owner bring to your community? Will you donate your time or money? Will you purchase goods/supplies, etc., from other local small businesses? Will you hire people within your community? How will YOU connect with your customers? Will you use recycled materials? These are all important questions to answer. During the first few years running my business, I wasn't totally clear on our mission, where we were going, or even what exactly I wanted the business to accomplish. However, the moment I got clear on all that and started making moves toward those visions, everything clicked. My business grew exponentially that year and has grown every year since.
Know your numbers. If you aren't good at math or accounting, that's ok. You can delegate this task to someone who is, but try to be involved as much as you can. If you don't know where your cash flow is coming from or going, it'll eventually catch up to you, and you'll run into problems. Plan ahead as best you can. (This goes back to getting clear on your missions/goals).
It might feel like you have to hustle because you're only going to be successful if you do. To some extent, it's a little true in the beginning... but this is your opportunity to get clear on the LIFE you want to live too. There are a lot of reasons to start a business, but I can bet working 80+ work weeks wasn't one of them for you. You have the autonomy to choose how this goes. I promise, if you get clear on your mission and goals (for your business and yourself), implement plans of action and make steps every day towards this, you'll be able to have a schedule that not only fulfills your business goals but also allows you to have an actual life that you enjoy and are proud of.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bitterslab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BittersLab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitterslab/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealatimer/

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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