Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaleena Goldsworthy, owner and founder of The Bitter Bottle, located in Chattanooga, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Bitter Bottle is a craft herbal bitters and tinctures company. We are Tennessee's first legal alcohol-based bitters company - which is super exciting! Our primary customers are bartenders, bar/restaurant owners, and cocktail enthusiasts.
Tell us about yourself
I landed in the hospitality industry by accident, as so many have. I found myself bartending with zero experience - and I truly fell in love with it. I really wanted to know more about the industry. I started studying historic cocktail culture, working on recipe development and wanted to work on improving my palate. On a whim, I read a book on bitters and decided I wanted to start making them. Before I knew it, my studio apartment was full of bizarre botanicals, and my business was born! I am constantly motivated and inspired by the botanicals I work with and their treasured history.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being a part of changing legislation to allow for alcohol-based bitters to be made in Tennessee.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is being able to find a decent balance between work and play. When work is your life - and for me, my hobby - it gets really difficult to take time off and to switch out of work mode. As a new mother, I've found parenthood has humbled me in this respect and is forcing me to find a better balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top three tips I would give to someone looking to start running and grow a business would be:
- Keep your head down and work hard. Don't pay attention to what others are doing - don't compare yourself to others out of the gate either. You are different, your business is unique - and if you want to make it happen, you will - by staying on task and dedicated to your goal.
- Stay humble - you may be an expert, but if you're not willing to grow, make improvements, and listen to others, you won't be able to do all of those things for your business either.
- When someone says you can't - that just means it hasn't been done yet. Don't let that be the reason you give up - let that be the reason you'll be the first.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner is truly something I never thought I'd be. I have been incredibly fortunate to have a great community around me to help me build my company. Lean into your peers take advantage of small business opportunities that exist where you live. I would never have found success without their help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thebitterbottle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebitterbottle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebitterbottle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebitterbottle
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.