Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Smith, owner of MinnyRow Market, located in Hopkins, MN, USA.

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

MinnyRow Market is a small-scale grocery store and deli owned and operated by my husband Peter Smith and me. We combined our backgrounds in customer service and food to create this store. Our customers are conscious consumers who want to support locals.

Tell us about yourself

My husband and I have always been dreamers and big on goals. When we first started dating, he mentioned he had always dreamed of owning his own meat market. We started a family, and when 2020 came, we decided it would be the year to revisit our goals, and we started planning. Then the pandemic hit, and Pete's job changed drastically, so MRM was pushed full speed and opened our doors in November 2020. What keeps me going is our mission to explain why shopping local is essential. Our desire to launch during a pandemic and not give up is also what keeps me motivated each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am very proud of our social media presence. I feel like we are truly building a community. It has been fun and rewarding to hear our customers say they have been following along since day one; that support is gratifying and pushes me.

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

One of the hardest things has been funding and being resourceful. We have a ton of ideas, but they all require money. Trying to maintain a fun appeal when our budget is tight is easier said than done.

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

  1. Plan Plan Plan but don't be thrown off with the plan doesn't go the way you want it to; keep trying!
  2. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who want to do similar things as you.
  3. Find free resources and ask for help.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Come check us out in Hopkins. We are known for our deli items, and our market is filled with an assortment of local goodies.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://minnyrow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minnyrowmarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnyrowmarket/

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.