Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Norkus, owner of Cocktails From Home, located in Austin, Texas, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a 100% Virtual Mixology business that got its start during the pandemic. We host corporate events, private parties and supply the best cocktail kits. We like to keep our events casual; this is happy hour, after all! Our goal is to teach you how to make your favorite cocktails while keeping everyone engaged and having fun.
Tell us about yourself
I moved to Austin 10 years ago to explore bigger opportunities in the bar and restaurant industry. I’ve spent almost 20 years serving drinks, a listening ear, and laughs. I have a passion for hospitality and entertaining people who choose to sit at my bar, whether that’s in person or virtually.
When the pandemic hit, I found myself an unemployed bartender. A former manager put me in touch with his friend at a large tech company who was looking for a virtual bartender to lead a team-building exercise. I had never done anything like this before, but when it was over, I knew I was on to something bigger than just a favor for a friend.
With everyone being required to work from home last year, things really started to take off. While nothing beats hanging out in person, this is a great way for people to connect with coworkers, family, and friends who they haven’t seen in a long time. I want to empower people to realize their own bartending talents! Nothing makes me happier than when people take the foundational skills we teach in the class and add in their own creativity to keep mixing up delicious drinks.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a first-time founder and owner, I've had to learn everything on the fly. Things have moved really fast the last two years, and seeing where CFH started, to where it's at today, and where it's going in the future fills me with gratitude.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
That little voice in the back of your mind that keeps second-guessing every decision you make. No one is going to make the big decisions for you, and sometimes you need to take the plunge and shoot for the moon.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Use your talents, strengths, experience, and vision to do everything possible to execute your idea.
- Hire professionals to do everything else that you have no idea how to do.
- Prepare to work your ass off.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cocktailsfromhome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocktailsfromhome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktails.from.home/
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.
