Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shana Miller, owner of Upper Bench Winery & Creamery, located in Penticton, BC, Canada.

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

Upper Bench Winery & Creamery produces award-winning wines and hand-crafted cheese, including bloomy, blue, natural, and washed-rinds, using 100% pasteurized cow's milk. Located at the gateway to the famous Naramata Bench, Upper Bench is open daily, year-round welcoming locals and visitors to our wine shop, where we offer tastings of both our wines and cheese. We also have an online store where you can purchase and or become one of our valued club members by joining our Corks & Curds Club, the only wine & cheese Club in Canada.

I began making cheese in 2003 at a local dairy. Eventually, we were able to purchase our own piece of the vineyard and started producing cheese at Upper Bench in 2011. I still love what I do with over 20 years of experience making cheese. I am a natural nurturer, which is really what cheesemaking is, creating cheese and nurturing (affinage) it until it is ready to go to market. Going from liquid (milk) to solid (cheese) in a matter of hours is not only fascinating but extremely satisfying. Part science, part craft but all love. Cheesemaking is a physically demanding job that keeps us fit and healthy, and above all, cheese is good for you! What is not to love about a job that stimulates you, keeps you fit mentally physically, and fills you up spiritually. Cheese is natural, healthy, versatile, and easy to digest; it's the perfect food.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We are very proud to be celebrating our tenth anniversary in 2022! We are a husband (wine) and wife (cheese) partnership, and we are business partners too. Keeping a happy marriage and a successful business thriving has its challenges, but we make it work and have fun while we are doing it.

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

Owning a business is challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Being responsible for our employees and their families is a challenge. Watching employees purchase a home, vehicle or holiday is worth all the hard work. We are a partnership, they are our biggest asset, and we appreciate everything they do to make Upper Bench the successful business it is.

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

  1. Research - know what you are getting into.
  2. Work - plan on working hard 24/7 for years - eat - sleep - breath - live your business, and you will reap the rewards.
  3. Genuine - be truthful, honest, and sincere with employees, customers, contractors, media - they will help build your brand/business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.upperbench.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upperbench
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperbench/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/upperbench
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-cole-miller-23731878/

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.