Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mirella Amato, founder of Beerology Inc., located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I want to help more people discover and enjoy beer. My work with Beerology® involves consulting. I work with professionals in the brewing and hospitality industry who want to learn more about beer and the many ways it can be used to enhance the dining experience and the moment in general. I create beer appreciation programs as well as beer and food pairing programs.
Tell us about yourself
I founded Beerology® in 2008 because I love beer. At the time, it was odd to me that there were so many different kinds of beer out there and, yet, most people had one or two brands they gravitated to. You don't drink the same wine with steak as you used to toast New Years, for example. I'd love it if beer were appreciated and understood in the same way. There's a perfect beer for every mood, every food, and every occasion.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating and releasing my own online course: Mastering Beer & Food Pairing, brought to you by Beerology®. This is the first time since writing my award-winning book (Beerology: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Beer...Even More) in 2014 that I've done a project on my own. This time was even more challenging, though, because I didn't have a team supporting me. With my book, I had a publisher who provided a lot of help and support. This course, I've created 100% on my own. I'm very proud of it and know it will help many industry professionals master pairing beer with food, which is a great skill to have.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management is definitely the hardest thing and taking time off. There's always more that can be done. I've gotten better at it, but it's an ongoing journey...
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the time to immerse yourself in the industry and really get to know it before diving in. The better you understand the industry, the easier it will be to figure out where your specific skill set and experience are needed.
- Be open and flexible. Growing a business is a balance between setting goals and adjusting them based on the feedback you're getting.
- Have a strong mission statement. Knowing what it is you want to contribute to whichever industry it is that you're in will help you navigate the many challenges in front of you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://beerology.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beerology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beerology/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beerology
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beerology/
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.