Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charles Lovejoy, Owner and Maker of Lovejoy's Bloody Mary Mix, located in Roseville, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lovejoy’s was founded as a Specific Benefit Corporation (SBC). A socially conscious, family-owned, and operated enterprise, Lovejoy’s gives 5% of profits back to organizations dedicated to supporting youth and the unhoused.
We create uniquely flavored Bloody Mary mixes, hot sauces and seasonings. Our mission is to create high-quality, innovative, and unique products for our customers while maintaining a social responsibility platform. Our products are a top-shelf brand made with fresh ingredients and meant to be paired with premium spirits. Our consumers know that the best times are in the company of the ones we love. They are adventurous, open-minded, and seek deeper connections. Great food and flavors bring them joy, and they love to share them.
Tell us about yourself
I am a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry. Twenty of those years were spent managing bars and curating cocktail menus. I was looking for a way to combine the popularity of my full-flavored and unique bloodies with the entrepreneurism and philanthropic spirit my mother instilled in me—and that’s how Lovejoy’s brand was born.
Crafting the bloody mixes took years. I relied on Bloody Mary enthusiasts to steer his creations. After decades of bartending, I ventured into entrepreneurship to share with my industry friends my solution to serving the perfect Bloody. The mixes were so satisfying that it was not difficult to convince bar and restaurant owners to make the switch. It’s really simple. Life has a way of paying you back if you focus on the people you love and the things that give you joy. Be honest as you build your business, and take care of your community. The universe will handle the rest.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to pay (although tiny) a salary for myself. Four years after starting the business, I was able to quit my job and focus on building our brand. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support from my best friend, partner, and love of my life, my wife, Sara.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding time for everything! Time management has never been a strong suit of mine. Founding and running a business is time-consuming! Over the years, I've become adept at working on my phone whenever I can find a minute.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a team! Fill in your weaknesses with people who see your vision and can help you along the way.
- Utilize all the free programs out there to help small businesses. Look to connect with think tanks, accelerators, and state-funded agencies that are mostly free and there to help.
- Find an online platform for tracking sales and invoices. This has been invaluable to our growth. Having easy and accessible ways to see your business health takes so much guesswork and time off of your table. Applying for grants and loans isn't as intimidating when you can easily export your data.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lovejoysbrand.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovejoysbrand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejoysbrand/
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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