Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathlene Lawrence, co-owners of Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe LLC., located in Wetumpka, AL, USA.

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

Our business is like Starbucks meets cheese and wine. We are a grocery store that offers a very relaxing dining experience. We carry over 100 cheese and 400 wines. Plus gourmet foods and Belgian chocolates. Our customers love that they can try new products we source from all over the world, and they love our relaxing lounge environment to enjoy cheese and wine.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with cheese first. So many different types and so much passion invested into one product. My husband and I had hopes of having our own cheese and wine shop after he retired from the military. Now we get to work with our best friends as co-owners and continue our education on cheese and wines. And to top it off, we live in Wetumpka. The people are amazing, supportive, truly care. That's the best kind of motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To be honest, surviving the first year. But now, looking back on it, the challenge was awesome. We had to do our homework. A sound business plan, clear vision, mission, and goals are all very important to first-year success. However, all the business stuff aside, my biggest accomplishment is finding a way to work with my best friends and children, and all of us love what we do. To work with them all each day and still like each other at the end of the day is no small feat, and yet we still love being with each other. That is my greatest accomplishment.

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

Besides worrying about finances and inventory? Lol. Self-discipline. Reminding yourself of your obligations and sticking to them. Having a sound team that you trust is important, and you have to hold each other accountable.

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

  1. Develop a business plan. Even if you are not sure everything is accurate, it will get you thinking about many parts of the business and help you layout goals.
  2. Develop a milestones tracker to accomplish all that you need to get fully up and running. This will help you "eat the elephant one bite at a time," as they say.
  3. Be ready to make real sacrifices. Even if they make you uncomfortable, my husband and I were ready to give up everything we had to make the business successful. Give yourself an honest gut check and determine where your cutoff is and how far you are willing to go.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There are many parts of the business that are not for the faint of heart, but having the choice to do what you want with and for your business truly is real freedom. You will possibly work harder than you ever have, so take time for yourself. Give yourself days off. Get away on a short walk or mini-vacation because you need to reward yourself for your efforts.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.provisionscheeseandwineshoppe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProvisionsCheeseandWineShoppe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we2cheesy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@we2cheesy

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.