Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erika Orlandella, owner of Cape Cod Winery, located in East Falmouth, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-owned winery located in beautiful Falmouth, Cape Cod. We are just a couple of miles from the ocean and offer a quaint, relaxed atmosphere where our customers can enjoy a glass of wine and experience that tranquil Cape Cod feeling. We offer many seating areas, mainly over crushed seashells overlooking our vineyard, and many evenings, a gorgeous Cape Cod sunset. We live in a tourist area and have customers who travel from across the world to local year-round neighbors.
Tell us about yourself
I always envisioned myself opening my own business. I didn't know what type of business at the time, but I knew it needed to be something I really enjoyed and didn't seem like "work." My husband and I were both in the corporate world. We wanted to have something for ourselves and something that could stay in the family for generations to come. We purchased the winery in 2013 from a wonderful couple who wanted to retire at the time. Neither my husband nor I went to school for viticulture. I guess our passion won them over as they took a chance on us even though they had many other tempting offers. Since then, we have immersed ourselves into the wine world, from the viticulture to the front of the house. We have tried to create an atmosphere where everyone feels as though they are home in their back yard and one where they can forget about their troubles for a bit and enjoy time with family and friends. Our customers and the local community really motivate me, even more so after the pandemic. We are fortunate to have a large outdoor space, and we were so happy to be able to offer what people feel to be a safe place to gather and see loved ones over a glass of wine (or two ;)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say that taking risks has its reward. We ultimately poured our heart, soul, and ALL of our money into this business. We have grown over 50% each year, with last year being our biggest sales year yet, despite being in a pandemic. We had to change our business model in 2020 completely. We were able to overcome many challenges which came along with that. We have been able to create a team of people we really feel are family and watch each of them grow. Progress within this business has been amazing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Definitely work/life balance. It's hard to turn off the work side of things when you are living and breathing it every day. We actually live on the winery premises, which makes it even more difficult to separate work from personal life. Also, as a small business owner you have to wear many hats, and with that comes a lot of responsibility. Some days I am in marketing, others I am in accounting, and on the really fun days, I am in production or serving behind the wine bar.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would say the best advice I received, and it is true to this day, is to expect the unexpected and learn how to adapt easily. I also think contentment is the enemy. Always look at how you can do or create something new, as this is how you can really grow your business. Lastly, believe in yourself. You are your biggest advocate.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://capecodwinery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodwinery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodwinery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-orlandella-b372394/
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.
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