Unique Wine Selections From Around the World - Meza Wine Shop

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tatjana Brown, Owner of Meza Wine Shop, located in Westerville, OH, USA.

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

Meza Wine Shop is a specialty wine retail shop with a focus on local delivery and in-store retail. We offer an array of wine options from around the world, as well as Meza Provisions, our selection of cheese & charcuterie boxes, and grazing tables, which is an extension of our business.

Our customers are the cornerstone of our business. We have a great deal of long-standing customers that have shopped with us since the beginning and through our delivery service, we are now able to reach customers all around the Columbus area. Being a woman-owned business, I think we make wine more approachable for our customers in a way and it naturally leads to our customer base being 85% women.

Tell us about yourself

I think this has changed for me over the years. I obviously have had a long-time passion for wine. But what has continued to motivate me has been the connections and relationships I have built through owning the business and being able to mentor and work with other women who have struck out on their own. That has been so motivating to me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We offer a fundraising option as part of our business model and I can easily say that our focus over the years on fundraising and community impact has been the most rewarding.

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

I think it is so hard to wear all the hats when it comes to running your business and not getting burned out. I lean so much on others to help keep me going. Working for yourself has so many benefits but can at times feel lonely when you are the only one, at the end of the day, who will be affected by the outcome of the business.

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

1. Continue to evolve. What worked initially when you started your business may not work today, so it is super important not to become stagnant.
2. Outsource! You may want to feel in control of the business as a whole (as you should!) but find the right people to support you and fill in on roles that are not your second nature.
3. Get an accountant. This is imperative. The stress of not having someone take care of this part of the business far outweighs the cost.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mezawineshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mezawineshop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezawineshop/

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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