Exceptional Drinks w/ Extraordinary People-The Drunken Grape

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob Statham, owner of The Drunken Grape®, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

The Drunken Grape is a live and virtual wine, beer, and dinner party tasting events company. We also focus on video branding for wineries, breweries, and distilleries on TV as well as social media. We work more specifically with independent businesses that lack professional support in this area.

Tell us about yourself

I was motivated by my late father, who was an avid homebrewer and winemaker, to pursue this field. I was looking to go into project management at the time after my IT business failed due to an unscrupulous partner who had addiction issues and stole from myself as well as our consultants. It was the first time I really listened to him with regard to business or career advice, and I am very happy I did. The inspiration I gained from him and the loss of my twin sister, who was a huge supporter, brings a lot of motivation for me to work on this daily. Entrepreneurship, especially here in Canada, is very challenging.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Expanding the business beyond my local borders during this pandemic into the United States and beyond.

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

Time.

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

Start with something you can grow on the side and nurture it regularly to see where it goes. You also definitely want to be passionate and possess good working knowledge in what you're doing.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never quit on yourself, especially during times when you may feel discouraged.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thedrunkengrape.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedrunkengrape
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrunkengrape/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrobstatham/

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.