Rancho Olvos - Shannon Casey
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shannon Casey, owner of Rancho Olvos, located in Santa Ynez, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We farm olives and produce olive oil. Our customers are folks who like to cook, like to eat, and want to shop at local farm stands. We produce high-quality evoo, and our customers appreciate that! More than 50% of our business is repeat customers.
Tell us about yourself
I have been a food-obsessed person since I was a toddler. I love working outdoors, and originally we were going to plant grapes when we discovered that it was not that profitable. So we pivoted to olives and olive oil - less cost and easier to produce. I love food and cooking and talking about food. And I enjoy having my own business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe that having healthy 22-year-old olive trees - 8 acres - is the biggest accomplishment. That and producing good quality olive oil.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Make sure you hire the right people and retain your hires. And all the paperwork - accounting, etc. I do not like sitting in front of a computer.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do some research on your proposed business - who is your competition? And do a business plan. And do you have enough cash to sustain losses in the first few years? Make sure to factor in marketing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Make sure you like your business - customers like enthusiasm. And be patient - it takes time to grow a business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ranchoolivos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rancho.Olivos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scoutoliveoil/
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.