Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandon Wood, founder of The Cheese Parlor, located in Livermore, CA, USA.

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

I am a professional Cheese Monger, and I just opened a Cheese Shop. My customer base is not just people interested in cheese. It is an interested community. I don't have any cheese shops within 30 miles of me, and I am bringing something new to the town ( at least it feels like that! )

Tell us about yourself

I moved to Oakland, CA, and started working at Whole Foods Market. I eventually worked my way into the Specialty Department behind the cheese counter. My son was born, and I needed a schedule that would fit my family lifestyle. The cheese buyer hours were perfect for me, so I dove in. The cheese community was very unique and very focused on support structures and working together. Once I saw that was a good fit, it made me love cheese even more. Started taking trips and visiting places, and talking to the farmers and the cheesemakers. I eventually got my CCP Cert. through WFM. Then WFM got purchased by Amazon and turned to crap, really. However, not talking crap about a company that paid me well for 13 years. So culture shifted, then COVID hit - really looked at things, and here I am opening up my own storefront. If this has shown me anything, I figure you only get a short time on this planet; at least I can; I tried my best.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking the leap to open a brick and mortar and not think about the money and just give it a shot.

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

Learn more about the things you don't sell than what you already know and have chosen to sell. Hopefully, that makes sense. I mean, I know more now about Taxes, Bookkeeping, Plumbing, Drywall, Random things you would never think of, like toilet seat cover holder.

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

  1. Give yourself time; if you jump in fast, you may give your customers the wrong first impression if you are super unprepared.
  2. To be honest, it's up to you, if you really want to work hard, you can open two months after you think you're going to, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
  3. Set realistic expectations.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Sometimes when life hands you lemons - you slice them up and put them in a cocktail.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheesewithease/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cheese_parlor/

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.