Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nick Savasta, owner of Cheese & Wine Traders, located in South Burlington, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A Vermont family-owned independent specialty store featuring over 2200+ wines, 500+ craft beers & ciders, 300+ cheeses, discount gourmet foods, Vermont-made local products, handmade gift baskets, and much more! Our guests are the best! They love all things delicious and really enjoy our fun and unique shopping experience.
Tell us about yourself
My husband John and I bought Cheese & Wine Traders 7 years ago in February. I came from the restaurant/marketing world, and he was a social worker. We wanted to be able to work and build something together. We're passionate about what's made in Vermont and its makers and always prioritize shelf space for local products first.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching cheeseandwinetraders.com and our gift basket business that features so many of our local producers. It's amazing to have the opportunity to send a little piece of Vermont nationwide and to help support the Vermont brand.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Modern retail businesses are a 24/7 operation making burnout a real thing. We realized early on in our ownership that we need to pace ourselves and that owning a small independent store is a marathon, not a race.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find an inspiring business advisor/coach and surround yourself with a great team.
- Change constantly and never stop improving.
- Don't take yourself too seriously and have fun!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cheeseandwinetraders.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheeseTraders/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheesetraders/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cheesetraders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheese-&-wine-traders/
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.
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