Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rafael de Lima, Founder of de Lima's Wine Experiences, located in Porto, Portugal.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
de Lima's is a two-sided company. Experiences involve doing a wine tasting at de Lima's wine bar in Porto, Portugal, and private corporate wine events in Europe and USA (I have been at Dreamforce and World Tour). Consulting for the designing of the wine lists and training of staff of the restaurants.
Tell us about yourself
After almost a decade in luxury hospitality (I worked for the Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Kempinski), I decided it was time to open my wine business and follow my wine passion which I discovered while doing the WSET in London. What wakes me up every day is the joy of giving wine for people to taste but also helping business owners succeed with their wine selection.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking advantage of COVID. It forced me to pivot, and it was the best that could have happened.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
No doubts that the hardest thing as a business owner is that it is very lonely. You have to everyday work towards a goal that seems ever reached, all alone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting a business, I would say go small and easy. Learn first the ins and outs of your field before making huge investments. Running it the best quality you can have is learning what doesn't deserve your time. Learn to avoid wasting time on unnecessary things. Growing a business, I would say a passion is a must; otherwise, every little detail will be a pain instead of a source of joy!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rafaeldelima.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaeldelima91/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdelima91/
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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