Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Lycopolus, Founder of Olive Oil Critic, located in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Olive Oil Critic and an olive oil sommelier. Olive oil is one of the most used and misunderstood culinary ingredients, and my purpose is to change that. I add context to the bottles on your counter, teach you how to read labels, and find the right product at the grocery store. From culinary schools to gourmet retailers and grocery stores, you'll find me teaching, tasting, and cooking to change how people think, feel about and use olive oil daily.
Tell us about yourself
My husband's family owns an olive grove in Italy. That's where I fell in love with olive oil about 12 years ago. I had no idea what olive oil could or should taste like. After moving home to Canada, I made it my mission to educate and share all things olive oil. My background is in chemistry, and I love diving into the technical details of olive oil, its chemical makeup, and its extraction process. Although now, my lab is my kitchen, where I'm constantly developing and creating new ways of cooking with olive oil, incorporating it into new dishes, and pairing it with food.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to pick! I've written eight cookbooks, six of which are all focused on cooking with extra virgin olive oil, and seeing these creations in the world is pretty special. Teaching at one of Canada's top culinary schools in Toronto and developing a new curriculum focused on olive oil is definitely an exciting accomplishment too.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling all the priorities. There is always lots to do; managing time and prioritizing, especially when you don't have anyone to delegate to, is really hard. I'm also a mom to a toddler, so finding ways to be efficient is crucial.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your 'why' first and foremost. This is what will hold you when times get tough and challenges come up. There is nothing easy about being a business owner, so having a firm foundation as to why you are starting your company and knowing your purpose and mission is crucial for success in the long term.
- All the bells and whistles are not needed to get started. Start, dive in, and work through the challenges as things arise. A fancy office, beautiful website, etc., are all nice but don't ensure success. Keeping your overhead costs as low as possible will help you weather any storms ahead.
- Invest in a coach. If Olympians need coaches to stay at the top of their game, you need one too. Find someone who resonates with you, understands you, and can keep you driving forward. Having a coach to support you, hold your business and vision, add perspective, and advocate for your best self is an invaluable asset.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://oliveoilcritic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliveOilCritic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliveoilcritic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lycopolus/
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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