Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Owczarek, founder of XhAle Brew Co. Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

XhAle Brew Co. is a female and queer-owned and operated craft brewing company. We make provocative beer for conscious thinkers and drinkers. Our suds are as conversation-worthy equally as what is in the can and on the outside of the can. We create and hold spaces for those who have traditionally not had space held for them.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with craft beer around 12 years ago, and I continually understand how little I know the more I know in this field! I love that every day I get to wake up and make the world a better place one pint at time through my craft. I am a believer in challenging boundaries, finding new limits, and not adhering to typical social standard molds, and I convey this through my beer and why XhAle is XhAle.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting up in the middle of a pandemic, getting through my first year with considerable growth, winning at Alberta Beverage Award, and donating just over $3000 to non for profits to build the communities around us.

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

uhhhg... everything. Lol. I think one of the biggest things is that it can be really isolating. You don't tend to be available for much outside of the business (and I also work three jobs outside of my business). It can be hard to relate to people sometimes because being an entrepreneur comes with its own very unique sets of challenges.

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

  1. Know your WHY! Knowing your WHY and having it at the heart of everything you do will get you through the hardest of days. It will provide a guiding compass in your decisions and keep everything you do true to your brand.
  2. Find yourself some solid mentors. These are people that know your unique sets of challenges, tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, they will check in on you when you forget you aren't alone. If they are anything like my mentor, they will bring you coffee and pastries!
  3. Numbers tell stories. Keep ordered records, create spreadsheets, do your budget and sales forecasting to plan ahead, make a 2yr cash flow plan, and keep going back to these numbers to create metrics and milestones.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't be afraid to colour outside the lines. Be authentic, use a bit a humour in every situation (even if it's been sarcasm to get you through something shitty!), and always remember we are all connected. No matter how different you think you are to someone, there will always be a commonality. Find it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://xhale-brew-co.myshopify.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xhalebrewco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xhalebrewco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/xhalebrewco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xhale-cooperative/

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.