Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nisse Noble, Co-Owner of Clever Fox Rum, located in Oceanside, CA, USA.

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

We are so excited to tell you about our company - Clever Fox Rum, a local craft rum company based in Oceanside, California. Clever Fox is the only craft distiller in California that focuses exclusively on rum—and we are woman and minority-veteran owned! We make all-natural and clean rum that's free of additives, sweeteners, or other weird stuff. Our rum has only three all-American ingredients: heirloom Louisiana sugar cane syrup, filtered water, and San Francisco yeast. It's delicious and smooth, making it an easy addition to any cocktail you can think of.

At Clever Fox, we know that our customers are looking for something special in their drinks. They want to be able to whip up a delicious cocktail at home without sacrificing quality or natural ingredients. That's why we created Clever Fox Rum - for ourselves! We were on the hunt for a high-quality, all-natural alternative to wine that would leave us feeling good, and we realized that there wasn't a crowd-pleasing, American-made rum that fit the bill. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands and create something that we could be proud of. And that's how Clever Fox Rum came to be.

Tell us about yourself

I've always had a passion for creating things, and that's what initially drew me to the world of craft rum making. My partner Kelly and I saw an opportunity to take something that we loved - rum - and turn it into something truly special. What really motivated us to start this business, though, was the desire to create a high-quality, all-natural rum that we could feel good about sharing with others. We saw a gap in the market for an American-made rum that was both delicious and made with natural ingredients, and we knew that we had the skills and expertise to make it happen. Every day, we're motivated by the idea of creating something that people truly enjoy and appreciate. Seeing the joy on someone's face when they taste Clever Fox rum for the first time is what keeps us going, and it's what makes all the hard work and long hours worth it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The best part about our story isn't just what we've done so far—it's what's still ahead of us. We recently won a silver medal and a design award from San Diego International Spirits Competition. We've been featured and beloved by world-renowned celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd (Bar Rescue, People Magazine, Princess Cruises), as well as "The Rum Champion" (#1 social media influencer for rum). Every day is a new adventure! You can find Clever Fox rum at all the San Diego County Total Wine locations, All the Baron's Market locations, and more! Visit our website at cleverfoxrum.com to order online or to find additional retail and cocktail locations.

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 wearing multiple hats. As an entrepreneur, you're not just responsible for creating a great product but also for managing finances, marketing your brand, and building relationships with customers and vendors. It can be a real challenge to balance all of these responsibilities, especially when you're just starting out and have limited resources. Additionally, there's always a degree of risk involved in running a business - you never know what challenges or unexpected expenses might arise. But at the end of the day, the rewards of being a business owner far outweigh the challenges. Seeing your vision come to life and creating something that brings joy to others is truly priceless.

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

Great question! Here are my top three tips for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today:

  1. Do your research: Before you even think about launching your business, it's important to do your homework. This means researching your market, your competitors, and your target audience. You need to have a clear understanding of the landscape you're entering, as well as what sets your business apart from others.
  2. Stay focused: Once you've launched your business, it's important to stay focused on your goals. This means prioritizing your time and resources and avoiding the temptation to get sidetracked by every new opportunity that comes your way. Stay true to your vision and keep your eye on the prize.
  3. Be adaptable: Finally, it's important to be adaptable. Running a successful business requires a certain degree of flexibility and the ability to pivot when necessary. You need to be able to adjust your strategy based on changing market conditions, customer feedback, and other factors. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things - just be sure to measure your results and adjust your approach accordingly.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cleverfoxrum.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleverFoxRum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleverfoxrum/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleverfoxrum/

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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