Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adam Centamore, Owner of Eat. Drink. Learn., LLC., located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I conduct in-person and virtual wine, cheese, and chocolate events for just about anyone! These events take place in people's homes, corporate environments, and public spaces just about anywhere in the country. These events range from fun, breezy tastings in someone's home to celebrate an occasion to large-scale corporate events encompassing hundreds of guests. I'm also a culinary writer and author of an award-nominated wine and cheese book, "Tasting Wine & Cheese - An Insider's Guide to Mastering the Principles of Pairing." I have many articles published in several print and online publications as well.
Tell us about yourself
In a nutshell, I'm a bio-anthropology nerd who wanted to pursue his love of food, wine, and tradition. While working as a bank executive, I discovered a higher education degree in gastronomy, one of my passions. While pursuing my degree, I found a highly-esteemed cheese shop in the Boston area. One thing led to another, and an internship turned into a full-fledged career! Once the teaching component was added, I was hooked. A few years later, I left the retail world and have been teaching and writing full-time. My daily motivation comes from the desire to make people happy and prove to myself that I can create and maintain a viable small business. My father had his own business for over 50 years (different industry), inspiring me to try my hand at it as well.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the business itself, which is still breathing and moving forward! I do not have a large-scale operation - I'm the sole employee, so I handle every single detail. I'm also proud of my book and the feedback I receive from people who find it useful.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, it's the constant need to track down new business. When I first began, word-of-mouth advertising did all the work for me. Now that this is my sole income, I need to maximize opportunities for events, which takes up a lot of time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear understanding of what you want the business to be and be able to explain succinctly what it does.
- Completely understand why you want to pursue your own business and what it will take (in terms of sacrifice, commitment, etc.) to make it happen. Do NOT go into it blindly.
- Be cool with the idea that progress is much better than perfection. In my view, momentum is everything, and if you get too caught up in unimportant minutiae it will bog you down and keep you from moving forward.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eatdrinklearn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatdrinklearn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdrinklearn/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/100loves
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-centamore-2785606/
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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