Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sherry Thodos, the founder of Cellar Mistress Wine, a private wine club, in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
Cellar Mistress initially started as a private wine club for wine lovers with a healthy interest or bordering obsession for wine and all things wine. It was at that moment, I realized wine connects people together with purpose and passion. It adds a smile to friendship and a spark to love. It elevates the spirit and the senses with it's flavors, depth, and complexity, nudging you closer to relaxation, charm, sophistication, and elegance with just one sip.
Every bottle of wine tells a unique story of its creation, vintage, history, cultivation, and terroir. The story of a craft, which is so much more than a squished grape. My passion for all things wine inspired me to scout, import and share exclusively obtained, unique and value priced wines for those who appreciate good wine and for those who develop an intoxicating devotion to this seductive Mistress.... the Wine!
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
Originally started when friends were overwhelmed by the abundance of choices, brands, and price points for quality imported wines. They would inquire about... what's good to drink these days, what's value priced, not cheap and mass produced, but unique and undiscovered hidden gems from around the world, selectively curated with limited accessibility. Their questions inspired the perfect opportunity for me to joyfully provide some answers.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
Any business owner will tell you it takes focus and time, to step out and give your own business a try. Strongly believing in yourself and your offering reinforces your confidence to build and grow a prosperous business. My biggest accomplishment is being a woman in business, wearing every corporate hat imaginable to become successful and keeping your passion at the forefront until you achieve your success.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is doubt.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
My 3 tips would be:
1) Do something you enjoy and love as your business. It should be something you absolutely adore and are proud to be good at and have fun doing.
2) Do your homework... Research, research, research!
3) Believe!... In you and what you have to offer. Appreciate and enjoy your journey as it unfolds.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yeah, remember the fundamentals of business like your business plan, cash flow, number crunching, etc., etc., that needs to be done. It's important and satisfying to be of value and uplifting to others, to have fun and enjoy what you are doing, whilst seeing your profits rise.
Where can people find you online?
https://www.cellarmistress.ca/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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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