Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mauricio Lozano, owner, and operator of Faculty Brewing Co., from Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
We are an inclusive, green practices-driven, and open-source fermented beverage business (Beer and Kombucha) that works as a space to create community, share ideas, and support like-minded initiatives.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
We created a brewery that focused on education. When customers are informed, they make a better decision on their purchases. We want to be a business that de-centralizes the marketplace with our products. We have the best feeling when customers value all our effort with our values, strategies, and standards.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having an incredible team that is empowered, reliable, happy, and driven. One of the best feelings as an owner is having people that want to work for us. The fact that we created a place that attracts talent is what keeps me going.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
In business, there are many dichotomies; how much do you push your values that you sacrifice profits. How much growth is needed before you lose the craft, local approach to your products? Lastly, we work with Alcohol, and it is a fun industry to be part of; however, we can see the complex realities alcohol can do in society or to people that can't control their drinking.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's ok to take breaks and rest. Society tends to value chirp and endurance, but that can lead to unhealthy habits and bad outcomes. Every aspect of your business can be a business on its own. Do you manufacture? You can be a copacker. Do you deliver your products? you can have a distribution business on top of your deliveries, etc. Give autonomy to your staff. Motivation can't only be economical; the team needs to feel trusted and empowered.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There is no better feeling at the end of the day than when customers tell you they love your product.
Where can people find you?
Websites:
https://www.facultybrewing.com/
http://www.odditykombucha.com/
https://beervan.ca/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.