Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Harmon, Owner of Harmony Wine LLC., located in Waynesboro, VA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I have a wine business called Harmony Wine, serving mainly the state of Virginia, DC, and Maryland, and I ship wine to 39 states.

Tell us about yourself

I first got started on my wine business when I was laid off in 2020 during COVID. I had the ability to go after a dream that I had been working on since 2017. What motivates me is being my best self and putting all I can into this business to make it a name brand that people recognize, to the point the word Harmony is associated with my wine before the definition itself.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner, I would have to say learning to ask for the help that is needed. Often times as a business owner, you are used to doing it on your own and making it work. Learning that there is help for your business and that the task of growing and starting your business isn't always on you if you ask for help was huge in my growth as a business owner and person.

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

One of the hardest things that I face is patience and realizing that despite what I answered in my biggest accomplishment, sometimes people want to help and say they will but can't, and you do have to learn to do things on your own and find the motivation to get the job you set out to do done. Patience is often hard, especially when you're working on something that you're very passionate about and want very badly. Just realizing that they want to have something is a great driving force for your fuel to continue pushing towards that goal or achievement.

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

  1. Patience is key; take the time to assess what you really want this business to look like and how you will get there.
  2. Despite what social media shows, running a business is work, and it's not the gilts and glam often portrayed. There are times when it's going to be the best feeling in the world and others when you want to give up, but learning how to weather the storm and stay focused on the goal on hand is how you will succeed in your goals.
  3. The biggest thing I would say is to START; there is only so much planning because there are so many unseen things you just can't plan for. So when you have a good idea of where you're headed and what you're doing, go forward with it, and 75% of the planning will come along the way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love being an entrepreneur; it makes me think on my toes and allows me to accomplish many things I set my mind to. With that said, it's not for everyone; different people make the world go round!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://atasteofharmony.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mharm_1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Harmony_wineva
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-harmon-a6244387/


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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