Hand Crafted Bitters - TNT Bitters

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anastasia Monaco, Co-Founder of TNT Bitters, located in Cambridge, NY, USA.

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

We are a small batch bitters company based in upstate N.Y. We make six different flavors. Our customer range from people who are cocktail enthusiasts or professional bartenders to people who are looking to use bitters in new and interesting ways - like in food or in non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone can utilize bitters!

Tell us about yourself

I have worked in the food industry for years and knew I wanted to get out of a hot restaurant kitchen at some point. I have always loved bitter things and thought the field of bitters had some amazing flavors, but none that spoke to me and non that were... well... bitter enough for me! I thought I could maybe make some myself. My co-founder was a bartender for years, and we partnered up to make this product and launch this company. My daily motivation is making a product I truly believe in and striving to be a part of a food and beverage community that I know I can impact in positive ways.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am incredibly proud of the feedback we get. As a business owner, I want my product to sell well, of course, but I also want to do some good for my community. Weekly, we post to our social media about other businesses, businesses that might not typically get the spotlight. We want people to associate our product with a thriving community, and the way we know how to do that is to support others as well as promote ourselves. I'm proud of what we have done in that arena.

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

It doesn't ever stop. It's rewarding building something for yourself, but it is constant work. Constant work means you sometimes have to consciously take a break, but then you feel anxious and guilty that you aren't doing more for your business. It's definitely a balancing act that takes time and practice to perfect.

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

Realistically budget your time. Everything takes longer than you think!
Make plans and backup plans and think every angle through to see if there is a better, more efficient way to accomplish your goal.
Ignore number 2 and be flexible! As a business owner, I am constantly adapting to new situations and unexpected obstacles. Plans can fall by the wayside very easily, but if you have them in place, you can at least be prepared.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tntbitters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tntbitters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tntbitters/

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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