Natural/Bio-Dynamic Touch - Homestead Bar A Vin

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joshua McLean, owner of Homestead Bar A Vin, located in Regina, Canada.

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

We are a biodynamic and natural wine-focused bar serving up small plates from an ever-changing menu. We have an extremely diverse clientele from wine geeks to someone possibly having their first sip of wine ever. We pride ourselves on giving exceptional and knowledgeable service in a super casual, relaxed atmosphere. Think sipping on some Grand Cru Burgundy while Tupac is blasting in the background.

Tell us about yourself

I kind of fell into restaurants. A friend of mine got me a job as a room service attendant at a boutique hotel in Montreal, where I eventually weaseled my way into being a busboy. From that first shift (of which I did a terrible job), I was hooked. The adrenaline, the intensity, these are all things I love. I truly felt after that first night that I had found my calling, and I haven't looked back ever since. I'm a perpetual host, so it just makes sense for me to own. A restaurant. When you come to Homestead, it is my goal for you to have the best night possible. People work very hard, and if they choose to spend their money at my establishment, I want them to be blown away, and we are obsessed with making that happen.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would have to say being able to keep staff on not only through a pandemic, but also we have several staff members that have been with us since the beginning. In an industry that is known to be transient, we have a very solid core of loyal staff members, and that humbles me every day.

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

Well, any business owner will tell you how much work owning a business is, and trying to keep a work-life balance can be very tricky. But I think for myself, it would have to be balancing what I want to offer to my staff vs. what is realistic as a business. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions by cutting hours during slower periods which affects people's livelihoods, while all the while trying to keep the doors open, so they have a job in the first place.

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

One thing my wife, who owns LG Fitness, told me, which I think a lot of people don't think about, is to have any exit strategy. What are you willing to lose physically, emotionally, and financially before you throw in the towel?
Have a clear idea of why you are doing this. Owning a business is a battle every day, and sometimes you can lose sight of why you started the company in the first place. Have a clear mission statement and read it at least once a year or whenever you are questioning yourself.
Treat your staff well. If you do right by them, they will repay you ten times over.

I'd like to thank everyone who supported us during the pandemic by buying gift cards, take-out, and off-sale. Without you, we would not be here!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.naturalwinecanada.com/merawinehome
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homesteadbaryqr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesteadbaryqr/

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.