Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aaron Prothro, co-founder, and CEO of Mascot Brewery, based in Ontario, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

We create unique, fun, and sophisticated craft beers that are easy for people to enjoy. Our customers are intimidated by the pretension of craft beer but still want to taste something delicious that will make them feel good. We do this by creating balanced flavor profiles and presenting them in an approachable way.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

What first got me into this was my love for craft beer and the passion for creating unique experiences to make people happy. When I first got into craft beer, there was no representation of black ownership in the Canadian industry. I was turned off by the industry's level of pretension and diversity, as it contradicted what I felt the beer was meant to do, which is bring people together. I wanted to create a space where people like me and I felt comfortable. We now use words like "inclusive" to represent that.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment is building a business from scratch. Taking a concept or vision in my head and creating it. As an entrepreneur, you are constantly battling self-doubt; you need to stay motivated and show up every day with a positive attitude, perspective, and insane amount of belief and faith in yourself. You need to be able to conquer your fears.

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

I would say making decisions. It would help if you were decisive, made decisions fast, but acted slow.

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

Please make sure you are passionate about it; you need so much passion that you lose sleep over your idea. Do your research, and understand who your customer is, who will buy your product/service. Take your ego out of it, self-reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, make sure you find the right people who can help fill those gaps.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please don't listen to the naysayers; follow your dream, and get after it.

Where can people find you?

Website: http://www.mascotbrewery.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mascotbrewery/
https://www.instagram.com/aaronprothro/

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.