Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mel Heim, Co-Founder of Big Nose Kate Whiskey, located in Santa Fe, NM, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Big Nose Kate Whiskey, a Western Whiskey produced in Santa Fe, NM. Our customers are a diverse group. The brand and the liquid appeal to all different types of folks for different reasons. But our customer base can be summed up as individuals age 21 and over who enjoy drinking whiskey and have a good story.
Tell us about yourself
I got into my current business after experiencing an executive-level job loss during the beginning of the pandemic. I have been in the spirit's business for 15 years, working for others. The new reality of unemployment offered time to reflect on what I wanted and should be doing. That reflective stage was pretty short because a very interesting business opportunity came across my email the next month. A short while later, I signed on with two partners to create a truly disruptive whiskey. We built the company during isolation over Zoom. From ideation to liquid in the bottle, then bottle on the shelf was 1 year and 23 days. We faced every barrier to market imaginable and could still pull it off. We set attainable goals and extended each other grace. Hitting milestones became easier, and now we look back to the beginning when we need the motivation to push through the challenges of the now. I've also been acutely underestimated throughout my career, and that acts like fuel to me now.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We're still in business! We've accomplished so many things in a short time. I'd say our biggest accomplishment to date, or one that I'm very proud of is that we have achieved growth in a very competitive industry with a quickly evolving economic and social environment. We've stayed focused while also being fluid.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Responsibilities. I kid, only sort of. I am a creative person; I make things. I make the thing we sell. That is the fun part of entrepreneurship, bringing your creation out into the world. Managing investor money and meeting the expectations of others outside the creative process can sometimes feel overwhelming. I just remind myself that they are there in good faith because they believe in the thing that is being made. So, between tracking and managing IR, PR, AP, A/R, AGI, COGS, ROIs, KPIs, POS, P&L, EPS, QA, CRM, and SEO, I get to make whiskey.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You can be flexible while also being focused. Bad habits early often lead to catastrophes later. Your partners are your lifelines; choose them wisely.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bignosekate.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bignosekatewhiskey/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-nose-kate-whiskey/
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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