Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in liquor but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessi Eisenhauer, Founder of Shooter Displays, located in Selma, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Shooter Displays are displays for 50mL mini liquor bottles. Liquor retailers, distillers, event planners, and liquor enthusiasts love to buy, use and share my product.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in a liquor store during college and was taking entrepreneurship classes at the time. Our teacher assigned us a project "find a pain or problem in your everyday life and create a solution." 50mL's at the liquor store immediately came to mind. 50mls are tedious, theft vulnerable, and lack a system to merchandise them effectively. So I got to work with market research and found that the problem existed at liquor retailers across the country, and the market was endless. From being immersed in the liquor industry, I saw quickly that some people take alcohol past social drinking or celebration and struggle with alcohol abuse. I visited Kauai, Hawaii, last summer and talked with some locals about the alcohol addiction on the island and how the resources for help are limited. With a combination of my love for the island and its people, one day, I desire to go to Hawaii with my profits and open a rehabilitation center FREE for those in need. That is my motivation (and that I want to learn how to surf.)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting through the drafting process of creating something new and unique. I didn't have anything to compare it to. But I knew it needed to be versatile and modular. Shooter Displays are functional in a variety of different ways. They link and stack on the counter, offer product security, hang on slat walls, and attach to shelving. Most liquor stores have different placement options for 50mL, and I wanted my displays to adapt to the retail environment. I achieved just that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a mother to young kids, the hard part is balance. Money is tempting, but love is the priority. My family comes first, and business second.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Work Smart, Not Hard (do your research and anticipate curve balls).
- Iron Sharpens Iron (People sharpen people).
- If you're going to fail, fail fast and move forward (don't give up.)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shooterdisplays.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shooterdisplays/
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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