Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Antonella Scampuddu, President of Sospiri, located in Estero, FL, USA.

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

Sospiri is a small family business owned by our family that moved from Italy 5 years ago. After traveling around America, we fell in love with SWFL! Our customers are local people and snowbirds that love a good gelato and anything about Italy. We like to think that they can feel the real Italian atmosphere in our little shop!

Tell us about yourself

It all started in our families; we have a strong passion for food. We grew up cooking and baking, and every meal was a celebration. We brought here to Florida our Italian recipes and traditions to which we are very attached. The passion for our job keeps us going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We opened the door of our small business as complete strangers here, and after a few years, we managed to expand into catering for the event industry. We started with one gelato cart brought from Italy, and now we have five, including an espresso cart, prosecco cart, and cannoli cart. After so much work, our good reputation is what makes us proud.

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

Having your own business is a lot like riding a roller coaster, with lots of highs and lows. Sometimes is overwhelming; there is a constant demand on your time and energy (both mental and physical).

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

Study, planning, and perseverance. Study about business in general and about the business model that you like to start. Then you need to make a solid business plan trying to predict all the possible issues. Then you need perseverance because sometimes things don’t go the way you imagined. And you need to fight to fix them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Support local businesses. Behind a small local business, there is a person and a family that put a lot of effort into what they do. Apart from the handmade product itself, you will also find better service, more love, authenticity, and tradition.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mysospiri.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysospiri
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysospiri/

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.