Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Valerie Tremblay, Co-Owner of BC Wine Studio, located in Okanagan Falls, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
There are a few different sides to my business. From viticulturist to winemaker, to cellar master and consulting for other brands, to social media and sells. My customers are the one who loves growing grapes, making wine, and drinking wine.
Tell us about yourself
I left Quebec, heading west in 2001, and made it to the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, by the summer of 2003. When I started working in the fruit industry, I immediately saw a huge lack of communication and respect between the farmers and the labour. I started my first business in BC as Valerie’s Crew Management & Consulting in 2006 and have worked every day since to teach and lead the industry to treat everyone better. From better pay to a respectful way of teaching, training, quality work, and more. My first motivation is knowing that Mother Nature doesn’t wait for us, and I do love to get my busy to-do list checked.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In this industry, every single season is a big accomplishment. Because I am hands-on from vineyard to winemaking, I have to do what needs to be done, whether there’s fire, rain, wild animals, or snowstorms, and this is just winemaking related. I could talk about the administration of the liquor license, going through COVID, and the labour shortage. The regulation for tastings. Every day and everything we do is a challenge.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Keeping the anxiety and stress as low as I can and my patience in check. Lol!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make time for your family.
- Ask for help.
- Networking.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bcwinestudio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcwinestudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcwinestudio/
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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