Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diego Meraviglia, president of North American Sommelier Association, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a non-profit corporation founded in California in 2010 and owned by an active membership base. Our mission is to spread high-level education and appreciation for the wine & spirits realm as well as hospitality and train, certify, and network industry professionals or those looking to enter the industry. We also cater to consortiums, PR agencies, producers, and marketing arms that are targeting the U.S. States to promote their products and conduct events.
Tell us about yourself
I live and breathe wine. It has been my passion and my calling since my adolescence growing up in Northern Italy. I moved to the United States in 2006 with the intention of entering the entertainment industry and, in parallel, starting a business in the wine world. What motivates me is the true notion of "love what you do." I never did anything for money, but I always decided to pursue things that excited me. The money came as a consequence of passion. If you love what you do, you will become good at it and successful as a consequence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having touched and changed the lives of so many individuals that are now active in the Wine & Spirits world. I was an immigrant who had never even been to Los Angeles prior to my relocation. I was 25 years old. I would not have made it without the help and trust of many people. I wanted t return the favor, and that has been my biggest honor.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The day-to-day grind of running a business and coordinating many different individuals that think differently and have different goals. It has not been easy, and in a few chapters, we failed. But we picked back up and adapted and managed to pursue our course still after 13 years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Passion
- Patience
- Perseverance
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.nasommelier.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diego_meraviglia_somm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-meraviglia-17b26610/
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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