Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with James Oliver & Aisha Shirley, Owners of Vesper Wine & Beverages, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

Vesper Wine & Beverages is a small-batch winery and specialty beverage shop. Our customers are like-minded individuals who share a passion for good drinks, good health, and good company.

Tell us about yourself

We are a husband and wife team who dared to build a new and innovative wine business during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020. It motivates us daily to help others discover unique wines and beverages with a focus on enhancing well-being.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is sustaining our business through the challenging economic conditions we have faced over the past three years.

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

One of the hardest things about owning a business is knowing when to pivot and adjust the business plan to keep meeting market demand for products.

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

  1. Start small with personal financing until you're ready to scale the business.
  2. Have realistic expectations of the amount of growth you will incur during the first two years.
  3. Focus on building relationships over gaining sales to secure business longevity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://vesper.wine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesperwine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meet_vesper/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vesperwine


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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