Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dominique Gonzales, Founder of Root Elixirs, located in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.

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

Root Elixirs is a sparkling soda mixer company based out on the Central California Coast. We are women-owned, small-batch, and dedicated to providing fresh, quality ingredients in each bottle. Our sparkling soda mixers are intentionally crafted so that the customer can enjoy three craft cocktails in each bottle. Root elixirs are made for the person who loves to host, enjoys quality time with friends and family, and craves the elevated vibe of a craft cocktail. We take the hard part of the mixing process out - so that our customers can enjoy craft cocktails in 3 steps: Root Elixirs + ice + spirit = a craft cocktail.

Tell us about yourself

I come from a hospitality background and have been in the food and beverage industry for the last 13 years. I love cooking, making cocktails, and gathering with friends and family. While I enjoy hosting, it becomes difficult to cook, entertain, and make cocktails simultaneously, so in that struggle, the idea of Root Elixirs came to life.

I sourced inspiration from my time bartending and started experimenting with different recipes to create the five flavors we have today. I am constantly motivated when I hear all the positive things people have to say about my products upon trying them. Customer satisfaction, especially seeing the look on people's faces when they first get to taste our product, is something that continues to motivate me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been growing a brand I love and seeing others enjoying the product. I love food, hospitality, and cocktails, and being able to do this for a career is my biggest accomplishment. I wouldn’t say it's been easy, but it makes it easier when you’re doing something you enjoy.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is juggling all the different aspects of a small business. Especially when starting a small business from scratch, you tend to wear all the hats, and that definitely comes with some challenges and learning curves.

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

  1. Start with a strong business plan and a vision of what you want to be doing.
  2. Have a mentor and group of like-minded people to provide guidance and support you along the way.
  3. Take the first step. Once the first step is taken, the next one will appear for you. Don’t be afraid!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don’t be afraid to change courses throughout your business growth. I started Root Elixirs with a clear vision of what I thought it would be, but over the course of the years I have been running my business, it has transformed into something bigger and better than I could have imagined.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rootelixirs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootelixirs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root_elixirs/

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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