Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aimee Macedo, director of Downtown Winery, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a boutique winery in the heart of Toronto, located on the famous Ossington Strip. We are family-owned and operated and focus on importing wines from around the world. We sell over 25 different wines, all under $25. Our mission is to make wine approachable and affordable. Our tasting bar gives patrons an opportunity to try our wines and sample all the goodies that we have in our retail section. Simply, everything that is served can be purchased within our store. We believe in supporting locals and providing the best possible service. Since being in business for over 30 years, the Macedo family has certainly perfected this.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Aimee Macedo, and I'm the director at Downtown Winery and have been in the industry for the last 12 years. My father, David Macedo, started the business over 30 years, so it was natural to fall into this role. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California. I later attained my WSET 2 at George Brown College. I have a deep desire to continue my father's legacy and modernize our family business for the next generation. I take pride in educating people on wine and providing them with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The passion lies deep in my heart. I will be a student for life!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment as a business owner is witnessing the transition and growth that occurs over time. We have been officially opened with this new business concept for the last two years. There have been many learning curves along the way, which expanded my personal development and character as an entrepreneur. Receiving positive feedback from our clients and having them become regular customers is what fuels us to keep working harder. We want our clients to feel like they are a part of our family! That is truly the greatest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is creating a work-life balance. Sometimes there are not enough hours in a day. Also, being responsible for the livelihood of our staff can be stressful, especially due to the pandemic closures we have experienced in Toronto.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- 80/20 approach (perfect 80% of your vision and figure out the other 20% as time passes)
- Find a trusted employee that can be your assistant and take some load off you.
- Don't overcharge your product; be fair. Sometimes getting two sales is better than one.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Drink wine and enjoy all of life's pleasures.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://downtownwineryto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownwineryto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownwineryto/
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.