Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leah Treleven, Owner and Founder of Sweet Haven Tonics LLC., located in New Ulm, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sweet Haven Tonics provides made-from-scratch concentrates that make craft cocktails and mocktails simple! Everyone from the at-home cocktail lover to bar and restaurant owners and event planners love to use our products!
So many love Sweet Haven because we are a woman-owned business supporting local farms, and we absolutely insist on using only whole fruits, fresh herbs, and high-quality spices to create our flavor profiles. Not to mention, they are so simple to use!
Basic 30-Second Craft Cocktail Recipe:
• 1/2 - 1 oz Sweet Haven concentrate
• 2 oz of your choice of spirits
• Give it a good shake with some ice, pour, and enjoy!
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved the simple moments of connection that happen when gathered around cocktails. My business started during Covid when I wanted to gift my family and friends a way of making craft cocktails simply, especially when we weren't able to get together as we normally would. From making them as gifts to selling them at markets to now being sold across the country, the incredible response to Sweet Haven has been overwhelming in the best sense of the word.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We recently opened up a cocktail lounge in downtown New Ulm, MN. I am proud to have a beautiful, welcoming space to provide my customers with the full Sweet Haven Experience.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Letting go! I have an incredible advisory board along with a dedicated and driven staff. Delegating responsibilities and decision-making to those on my team was initially challenging but absolutely necessary. Accepting support has allowed me the time and headspace needed to continue to grow the brand and the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It's ok to ask for help.
- Celebrate the victories along the way.
- Have a clear "why" for what drives you to keep up the hustle day after day.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sweethaventonics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialsweethaventonics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweethaven_tonics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinksweethaven
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.