Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wine but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Paris of Vini Ventures, based in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business and who are your customers?
We rebottle wine for virtual tastings and we do this in an eco-friendly way using glass bottles and recycled paper for our boxes. The small bottles are filled using a vacuum system so that the wines are exposed to very little oxygen and the wines stay sound.
Whether you are a wine club, a company looking to engage staff or clients, or a trade association, winery or wine agency looking to reach out to buyers or consumers, virtual tastings are a great option.
Tell us about yourself
I first started rebottling during the pandemic so that my WSET students could continue their studies virtually, but still taste all the wine as they would in an in-person class. I have simply expanded beyond my students!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm thrilled that my product is seeing such positive response, especially from the trade. They're the ones who would know if a wine was no longer sound as a result of rebottling.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is that one tends to wear every hat and your life becomes your business. Trying to keep a work-life balance is hard - especially at the start of a new business.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research. Research. Research! Don't start a new company unless you have laid the groundwork. This includes understanding the competition and their pricing, knowing what you will need to operate your business and having systems in place before you start so when you launch, you can avoid as many hiccups as possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
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.