Outstanding Products With an Outstanding Mission - RocaBella

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cheryl Lee, Founder, and CEO of RocaBella Brands, located in Toms River, NJ, USA.

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

I am the CEO/Founder of RocaBella Brands. I am in the Liquor Spirits Industry. My customers are liquor stores, bars & restaurants throughout New Jersey. I am developing relationships with liquor retailers and customers across many states in the US and internationally.

Tell us about yourself

I created and developed RocaBella Brands, which is dedicated to Fallen First Responders' Widows and Children. I am the widow of the Jersey City Fire Dept. 911 First Responder, Captain Mark V. Lee SR., passed away on May 9th, 2014, as a result of a 9/11-related illness. In honor of his 30 yr. legacy and dedication to helping his community and giving back to those less fortunate

I made it my mission to create a brand that symbolizes the love of family and the value and importance of selflessness. RocaBella Brands represents both the emotional and physical strength of First Responders and the limitless hours of time and heart volunteered on a daily basis. Raised in Jersey City, I am a devoted mother of three to Jennifer, Christina, and Mark Jr. and a proud Nana to Sebastian and Demetria. I have dedicated my entire life to volunteering, especially when children are involved. After the death of my husband and my Son, Captain Mark V Lee jr. took over the Jersey City Fire Dept. Children's Christmas Drive that Mark Sr. ran for 29 years. I am proud to say the drive supports over 7,000 children to date. This is just one example of Giving Back that myself and my family do on a yearly basis, and the list just goes on from there. I have raised my family with compassion in their hearts and selflessness with their time.

What continues to motivate me is that I created a spirit brand with a mission and a purpose to help build a better tomorrow with a hands-on approach. The more successful that I am as a woman business owner. The more I can give back to families in need.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I built my business on my own. Being a wholesaler in the spirits industry. Winning spirits tasting competitions. Partnering with beverage distributors.

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

Launching a spirit brand days before the pandemic situation closed the world down. It slowed me down, but it didn't stop me.

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

  1. Create a good solid business plan. Research your competition.
  2. Get Organized. To Achieve your goal of running a successful business, you need to be organized.
  3. Providing excellent customer service to your retailers and customers is very important to gain their loyalty and retaining their business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rocabellabrands.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RocaBellaBrands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocabellabrands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocabellabrands
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocabellabrands/

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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