Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simeon Priest, founder of Equal Parts Cocktail Co., located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Here at Equal Parts Cocktail Company, we specialize in elevating the beverage experiences at weddings, private parties, and special events. We are craft cocktail caterers, and we love what we do. We also host Virtual Cocktail Classes. They are a HUGE hit for those all-too-familiar zoom gatherings for friends, family, or colleagues. Our clients love a well-crafted cocktail and appreciate our professionalism and attention to every last detail. Our mission is to raise the bar. Period.
Tell us about yourself
For me, it’s all about the guest. When reduced down - the reason we are here is to make their experience as special as possible and truly unforgettable.
Bartending in and of itself is a rewarding profession. For us, however - we get to tend bar during our guests’ most special (sometimes once-in-a-lifetime) occasions, time and time again - and THAT is truly something phenomenally special.
The idea and passion for this business began in 2015 when I was bartending weddings from time to time and realized that there was a major disconnect between where the modern cocktail movement was and what beverage services were available at private events. No one wants a fantastic meal and fantastic dessert served at a fantastic venue with fantastic décor to be accompanied by a lousy mixed drink. We, as party throwers, deserve better than that, and better is what Equal Parts Cocktail Co. does best!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to transition a live-event-based business during the early days of the pandemic - when exactly zero live events were happening - into a still-busy (very busy) and still-growing (quickly!) business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Coming to terms with the fact that no longer will someone be there to tell you what to do, or when to do it, or how to do it correctly. You are now accountable to only yourself and must realize this and motivate yourself accordingly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First - realize that a business plan is not the holy grail. It more often than not ends up in a desk drawer and never sees the light of day again. It will be out of date before the ink on the business license dries.
Second - understand that this will likely be the hardest thing you’ve ever done - but if you are passionate about your craft and about venturing out on your own - then there is quite simply nothing like it. Outside of having children, it is the most special of achievements.
Lastly - invest in a business coach. Even the best, world-class athletes rely on a coach, and every business owner should too. A good couch brings the vision and clarity that cannot be seen from the daily grind. As my coach always reminds me - in order to successfully grow a business, you must must be able to work ON the business rather than IN the business. Investing in a business coach is exactly that - working ON the business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.equalpartsco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EqualPartsCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalpartsco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equalpartsco/
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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