Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandi Cowan, owner of Watonga Cheese Factory, LLC., located in Perryton, TX, USA.

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

We are a small cheese factory located in the Texas panhandle. We manufacture cheddar cheese by hand using the original recipe from 1940. Our customers are locals, tourists passing through, and longtime fans of Watonga Cheese across OK and Texas. We sell and ship all over the United States through our website and Amazon orders.

Tell us about yourself

My husband, Casey, grew up on a dairy in Balko, OK. He wanted to make a small amount of cheese, and the factory in Watonga had a piece of equipment for sale. When we went to purchase this piece of equipment, the owner was there. We started talking, and before we knew it, we were purchasing the entire factory. Casey, with the help of our amazing employees, makes every vat of cheese. Every Wednesday, Casey drives across OK, delivering cheese to local grocery stores, quick stops, restaurants, and specialty stores. I take care of the retail store, packaging orders, payroll, and bookkeeping. Our son's help during the summer and holidays. Our parents, brothers & sisters help out during our busy Christmas season. We love meeting customers, having a personal relationship with deli managers who sell our cheese, and providing cheese to our longtime loyal fans.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is the relocation of the factory. While in Watonga, where the factory originated, an inland hurricane demolished our building. What started as devastation soon turned into the biggest blessing in disguise. We relocated to Perryton, Texas, where we built a new building on a major US highway. At the new location, we were able to use all of Casey's dad's milk from his dairy, essentially cutting out the middle man making it the best situation for both of us.

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

The stress and long hours. Running a small business is not for the faint of heart, and COVID made it even tougher. However, the sense of pride that comes along with it outweighs all the late nights and tough times.

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

You can never prepare for what running your business will entail. However, hard work pays off. So be prepared for some stress, long hours, and tough situations, but to come out on the other side and run a successful small business is one of the most amazing feelings.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We have now been at our location for almost 12 years. Our business has grown substantially through the years, and we could not have done it without our family and friends' best employees and support. We make a variety of cheddar cheese flavors, longhorn cheddar, and our best-seller, the cheddar cheese curds. Our cheese is offered in our retail store at numerous other stores across TX, KS & OK. You can also order from our website or Amazon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://watongacheesefactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatongaCheeseFactory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watongacheesefactory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/watongacheese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watonga-cheese-factory/

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.

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