Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dandelian Bagby, Owner of Bagby Beer Company, located in Vista, CA, USA.

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

We own and operate a large brewery and restaurant in coastal Oceanside, CA. Since opening in 2014, we've been fortunate to welcome so many wonderful guests: from local families to vacationers and retirees, as well as many service men and women based at Camp Pendleton to beer and food lovers from all over the world!

Tell us about yourself

We are passionate about sharing our love of beer and beer culture. Through many amazing international adventures centered around beer, our vision really galvanized. We saw a huge opportunity to share some of the incredible traditions we've been lucky enough to experience. From sipping a rare and special lambic at Cantillon in Brussels to a perfect Kölsch in Köln to a lovely, delicate cask ale in London, we were so inspired to bring all of this to our place in Oceanside. My husband Jeff is a tremendously talented and successful brewer who has been brewing in San Diego for over 20 years; his dedication and devotion to perfecting his craft is also a major inspiration!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest and best accomplishment is our wonderful crew. We wanted to create an environment for our staff to flourish, feel cared about and supported, and be empowered to do their best for one another and our guests. Over the years, we have been lucky enough to work with some truly terrific people; our current post-COVID team is the best we've ever had! We are so proud of them and the healthy, fun, supportive culture we always hoped for and that they've truly embraced.

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

One of the hardest things for me as a business owner is the constant pressure, both that the business demands and that I place on myself. There are always countless things to do - each requires time, effort, energy, and focus. While I love to be busy with a variety of things and projects, there is rarely, if ever, a sense of "complete." As tough as this is, it is also exciting as there is always more to tackle, endless possibilities, and new discoveries about myself, my partner, and our staff.

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

Here are 4! I would suggest to anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business:

  1. Leave some room for enjoying the ride, even when it is stressful (which can be much of the time!). Look at what you have accomplished or are accomplishing!
  2. Take time to appreciate your gift of merely having the courage, strength, curiosity, and fortitude it takes to "just start" a business. It can be a lot to manage, but you are doing it! So give yourself lots of credit for that.
  3. Try to be even slightly less focused on the obvious financial goals of operating a business - success can be measured in lots of ways, and gross revenue is just one of those ways. Of course, the financial piece is important, but focusing solely on that can skew your gratitude and appreciation for all the other important pieces.
  4. Listen to yourself just as much as those who are praising or criticizing you so you can stay focused on your vision. Things get hairy sometimes; the going can get really tough. Have the patience and virtue to see that there are times it has to get harder before it gets easier. The more tough things you get through, the more you know what you can endure. You are stronger and more capable than you think!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bagbybeer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagbybeerco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagbybeer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bagbybeer

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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