Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marisa Sergi, Chief Growth Officer of L'uva Bella Winery, located in Poland, OH, USA.

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

My business is L'uva Bella Winery - we are a family-owned winery and produce three core brands - Red's, Passion, and Purple Rain Wine. I am a third-generation winemaker and recently took over with my husband in May 2020. Our mission is to create modern wine brands for the everyday consumer. L'uva Bella was first started by my grandparents and father in the early 2000s. My grandparents immigrated to the US from Italy, bringing along the Sergi tradition of winemaking, a suitcase, a dream, and only $50 to their name! It's been a joy to share our wines with others rooted in tradition.

Tell us about yourself

I started working in the wine industry when I was 15 - I started helping my parents at the winery. I then went to Cornell University for Enology & Viticulture to refine my skills and branch out into the wine industry. When I was 19, I started my own wine label as part of my capstone project to graduate from the V & E program. The brand, RedHead, recently rebranded to Red's, can now be found in over ten states by mid-2022. I am motivated each day by my friends, family, and my passion for winemaking. I am very grateful I found what I enjoy doing at an early age and get to wake up every day at my dream job!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say buying my family winery in May 2020 - I was ready to take L'uva Bella to new heights and wanted to allow my parents to retire. The entire process was extremely challenging as well as closing on the deal during a global pandemic. I am glad I believed in myself and decided not to pass on making my dreams come true during troubling times.

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

The hardest thing for me is knowing, in certain circumstances, no matter how hard you try, you cannot control all circumstances. I like to put my best foot forward each day. Often there are many circumstances that are out of my hands, and I cannot help to resolve them directly. In those moments, I find myself getting creative to do my best to help out and move things forward.

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

Make sure you use GS1 certified barcodes on any products that you plan to sell in retail locations, invest heavily in your team with training, patience, and empathy as well as not be afraid to put yourself out there - embrace the advice "The answer is always 'no' if you do not ask!"

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you'd like to follow me on my journey, you're welcome to follow my social media pages!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://luvabella.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luvabellawinery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisasergi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarisaSergi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisasergi/

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.