Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bruna Noonan, founder, and CEO of Grazing Box San Diego, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer cheese and charcuterie experiences throughout San Diego County. My customers are all around San Diego, from people who enjoy a good cheese selection paired with a glass of wine to big companies.
Tell us about yourself
The Grazing Box idea started to grow during COVID-19. I wasn't working at my regular job because they were temporarily closed, so I had to come up with an idea of how to make money during that time. I have always been passionate about food and the service industry, all that combined with a lot of previous experience in digital marketing - from my bachelor's degree back in Brazil, where I was born and raised. - made me start the Grazing Box San Diego. One of the first charcuterie businesses in the area. When I first started accepting orders, I didn't think people would immediately buy my products until I had my first sale; wow! It took me time to adjust my menu, pricing, and all the logistics involving a small business, but once I got it, it became a fun and smooth process, where I became more confident and started growing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was all the collaborations I had the pleasure to do with different big local brands, which gave me a lot of visibility.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about having a small business is that you have to do everything yourself, which can be overwhelming. Scaling a small business is one of the hardest things for me because If something goes wrong, your name and your brand are at stake.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would say the first thing: do not wait to have everything perfect! It might sound cheesy, but it is true. I wasted a lot of time trying to have everything right, but you will only learn with time. The second tip is: you need to be consistent! That means having an active online presence. Post regularly and engage with your customers. Third tip: Delegate! Once you start growing, hire people that can help you grow your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.grazingboxsd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grazingboxsd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazingboxsd/
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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