Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephen Hemmert, Founder of Stephen Hemmert Wines, located in Lancaster, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a couple-owned Micro Winery and Tasting Room in Southern California People who love wine and a great atmosphere.
Tell us about yourself
I have a deep love for wine, and I worked as a professional winemaker for many years before we decided to start our own Winery and Tasting Room. For me, it's all about the passion of creating something exceptional that people will want to buy and remember.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making through COVID after only being open for 14 months and not only surviving but thriving!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Money management. It seems like every government agency has a permit or fee that needs to be paid. Some are coming out of the woodwork we never heard about. And then you have rent and utilities with huge price increases on everything from gas and electricity to wine bottles, corks, capsules, and even grape prices have exploded all due to COVID and the shortage of workers and materials.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your homework about your idea for your business. Excitement, ego, and talent only get you so far. Study and ask questions of others in the business to get a better idea of what you are getting into and if you can afford it.
- Have enough money to be able to have six months of down sales or small disasters pop up.
- Keep a finger on every aspect of your business. You could be bringing in a lot of money only to find runaway costs are eating every dollar.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://stephenhemmertwines.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenhemmertwines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenhemmertwines/
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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