Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawn Lee, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Caesar Squeezers, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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

We are Caesar Squeezers – Canada's go-to seasoning sauce for perfecting our favorite cocktail – the Caesar!

Tell us about yourself

I loved being a bartender at work and always wanted to play the part when spending time with my friends. On one camping trip, I was making impromptu Caesars and was disappointed in the flavor, complication, mess, and lack of seasonings for my Caesar. I couldn't bring a fully stocked bar with me everywhere and thought, "why don't I put all of the seasonings into one convenient bottle?" I get excited about building and growing Caesar Squeezers because Caesars is an integral part of Canadian culture, and Canadians deserve to be drinking the best Caesars every time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was getting National distribution. It was a cool feeling to get messages from friends and customers across the country who could now buy Caesar Squeezers in their local grocery store.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is making the time to handle everything. There are a million little details to manage, and some are less exciting than others. Trying to stay on top of it all without getting bogged down in the minutiae is a process that has taken (and IS taking) a long to learn.

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

The top 3 tips are:

  • One, get a good accountant – whether as a partner or employee; if your business isn't making money (or going to make money), then you're embarking on a losing battle.
  • Two, accept what you're not good at and find someone who is good at that to help.
  • Three, as my friend so often repeats, "scared money doesn't make money" — have faith in yourself and be willing to jump at opportunities. If you fail, that's okay; you'll find something else.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.caesarsqueezers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caesarsqueezers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caesarsqueezers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwlee/

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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