Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadia Ernestus, Founder of Hamptons Brine, located in Sag Harbor, NY, USA.

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

We sell raw fermented organic sauerkraut and brine (kvass). Our customers turned out to be a much wider range than I could have ever predicted! Everyone heard about the benefits of probiotics and fermented foods, not just the health foodies.

Tell us about yourself

I started the business when I was 58 with a total investment of $7000. I am proud that I made so many people a little bit healthier.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Selling the business to a corporation for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

When you sell your business, stay on as a consultant and then see other people make the decisions. When I was still running the business, the hardest thing was planning ahead - ordering, inventory, etc.

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

  1. Do some proof of concept before you invest a lot. Do a Kickstarter to test the market, take your product to farmers' markets to see if it sells, and learn what you have to fine-tune.
  2. Have a business plan.
  3. Allocate time every day to work on marketing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There is NOTHING like owning your own business! Go for it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hamptonsbrine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamptonsbrine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamptonsbrine/

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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