Running a business is one of the biggest challenges I've ever had. It is definitely different when you are a wine consultant, and buyer. Tis the case, when I recently went from a Wine Broker, to an Importer/Exporter. Also, a Wholesaler-Distributor, as well, who knew?! What does this mean?! Well, it means you can move your own merchandise, and includes more paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! It also means you are doing everything. I mean everything.
San Francisco is beautiful, but if you want to start a business, there is a lot to know. It depends on what type of business you start.
But, if your business deals with alcohol, food, and proper storage of such...the laws are strict. There are tons of licenses, permits, fees, wait times, and compliance that goes with the type of business you have. I work in wine and beer. I am officially a licensed bootlegger. This is the wild west and everyone wants a piece of the pie. You must learn to prioritize and be organized. You must stay strong, savvy, but have fun. Stay focused, and you will have to make sacrifices, but that finish line is there if you keep things running.
San Francisco is beautiful, but if you want to start a business, there is a lot to know. It depends on what type of business you start.
But, if your business deals with alcohol, food, and proper storage of such...the laws are strict. There are tons of licenses, permits, fees, wait times, and compliance that goes with the type of business you have. I work in wine and beer. I am officially a licensed bootlegger. This is the wild west and everyone wants a piece of the pie. You must learn to prioritize and be organized. You must stay strong, savvy, but have fun. Stay focused, and you will have to make sacrifices, but that finish line is there if you keep things running.
I never want to come off ungrateful, but I would say this has been one of this biggest challenges of my life. San Francisco, has very strict laws on zoning and alcohol. Wine buying, sampling and consulting with winemakers is one thing. However, Importing is another part of a long chess game. It took me a little while to understand, and I've made mistakes. I've learned from some of these mistakes the hard way, and still learning.
It's made me humble.
You will find yourself wanting to pull your hair out, when you have to wait for someone who is on vacation for a signature. You will get the run around, like crazy, dealing with freight and shipping companies. Waiting and patience is going to be you new best friends. LOL While you wait, having a dog, a stair master, and some sort of healthy outlet, will keep you from flipping out. Sometimes you have to play nice with complete assholes, who have you by the balls. Smiling and nodding your head will save you a headache.
I learned this special skill being a flight attendant and working in fine dining..... I'm finding those experiences and extensive wine knowledge is my everything! I'm being real, not going to sugar coat this process. My blog, my experience and telling it how it is. This shit was fucking hard.
media.giphy.com/media/l4KhNyaaNLyouODS0/giphy.gif
I had to remember what I loved the most and what I was passionate about, and that is wine, wine, and more wine.
Remembering what you love, will give you confidence, when you know you have to show good face. Never giving up and believing in your dreams is your motivation and meditation.
It's not exactly always about red lipstick, high heels, beautiful people, and drinking fabulous wine as a jet setter all over the planet! In every great musical, there is a production and behind the scenes to the show. I will continue to blog, and tell you more about it. However, I have been so busy with permits, licensing, certificates, taxes, freight and shipping, customs & duties, pricing, exclusivity forms, import/export forms, invoices, new and old clients, marketing, attending "some" functions, being on the phone and computer all day, research, making sure you have everything in order, waiting for the mail, an email, posting poster permits..... and paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!
Seriously the list goes on. I've been setting this business up for the last 2 years, and going on year 3, things are starting to move. It's taken me 5 years for me to get to this point, if you include taking classes and working too. You must make time, and completely dedicate yourself.
Shipping and freight, fees, taxes,
type 14 warehouse zoning, zoning home for business, trademarking, copyrights, forming LLCs, having a good tax attorney or a very smart tax person....until you can afford the attorney(mine is my friend.....) etc. etc. There's so much you have to research and finish before you can go to the next step!
Which I highly express using your networks, and letting them use you. For example, I have interns sometimes to help me, and in turn, I mentor them. I get a pleasure speaking with these young ladies, who are the future, and have great ideas as future boss ladies!
I am also grateful for them helping me get me organized.
Most important, having a good support to help your sanity. Family, for they truly know you, and will tell you if you are over your head. They will advise you to stick with it, or back out now.
Basically, you just have to have good friends!
Haters can be annoying! The shitty ones will show themselves, trust me. People will try and tear you down, and throw you some shade. I don't know why?! It's tough because their negativity is shocking. But as time goes by, with so much to do, and when you're making that money....... it just makes it easier not to think of them at all. The thing is, I am generally happy for people when they have great news or doing something incredible for themselves. Either they deserve it, got lucky, or worked hard. Who cares?!?! It's none of their business, you owe no explanation. Remember there is always going to be that one asshole, to remind you of where you use to be. I realized the day I stopped giving a shit about what people think of me, things started going really well for me.
You can't please everyone.
Hey it's helping me, streamline that wedding guest list.
And when you do have the time.....make sure you spend it with those who are happy and genuine!
Good friends, and hanging out in our favorite places!
I recently got engaged in September 13, 2015!
With my business, his business, and working together, living in 2 countries, and trying to get married this year....we are crazy! LOL
My fiance and I did wine tours Summer 2015 in Bourgogne(Burgundy) in Semur-en-Auxois, France.
We had a great time and planning new things in 2016!
We are changing our lives and doing it together!
www.jeuxdessaisons.com
It has been a VERY busy year.
Also a new vacation rental coming! The little bridge house will be ready this spring and summer 2016.
It's made me humble.
I learned this special skill being a flight attendant and working in fine dining..... I'm finding those experiences and extensive wine knowledge is my everything! I'm being real, not going to sugar coat this process. My blog, my experience and telling it how it is. This shit was fucking hard.
media.giphy.com/media/l4KhNyaaNLyouODS0/giphy.gif
I had to remember what I loved the most and what I was passionate about, and that is wine, wine, and more wine.
Remembering what you love, will give you confidence, when you know you have to show good face. Never giving up and believing in your dreams is your motivation and meditation.
It's not exactly always about red lipstick, high heels, beautiful people, and drinking fabulous wine as a jet setter all over the planet! In every great musical, there is a production and behind the scenes to the show. I will continue to blog, and tell you more about it. However, I have been so busy with permits, licensing, certificates, taxes, freight and shipping, customs & duties, pricing, exclusivity forms, import/export forms, invoices, new and old clients, marketing, attending "some" functions, being on the phone and computer all day, research, making sure you have everything in order, waiting for the mail, an email, posting poster permits..... and paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!
Seriously the list goes on. I've been setting this business up for the last 2 years, and going on year 3, things are starting to move. It's taken me 5 years for me to get to this point, if you include taking classes and working too. You must make time, and completely dedicate yourself.
I will tell you all about the ABC, TTB, Business Registration, Tax Equalization board, City Planning Department, Cola Labels....
type 14 warehouse zoning, zoning home for business, trademarking, copyrights, forming LLCs, having a good tax attorney or a very smart tax person....until you can afford the attorney(mine is my friend.....) etc. etc. There's so much you have to research and finish before you can go to the next step!
Which I highly express using your networks, and letting them use you. For example, I have interns sometimes to help me, and in turn, I mentor them. I get a pleasure speaking with these young ladies, who are the future, and have great ideas as future boss ladies!
I am also grateful for them helping me get me organized.
Most important, having a good support to help your sanity. Family, for they truly know you, and will tell you if you are over your head. They will advise you to stick with it, or back out now.
Basically, you just have to have good friends!
You can't please everyone.
Hey it's helping me, streamline that wedding guest list.
And when you do have the time.....make sure you spend it with those who are happy and genuine!
 |
| WOOLDRIDGE FAMILY I can count on my family! |
Good friends, and hanging out in our favorite places!
MY FUTURE Husband! LES PINTOS 2016
CHEERS TO FRIENDSHIP!!!!
I recently got engaged in September 13, 2015!
With my business, his business, and working together, living in 2 countries, and trying to get married this year....we are crazy! LOL
LOTS TO BE excited about.
My fiance and I did wine tours Summer 2015 in Bourgogne(Burgundy) in Semur-en-Auxois, France. We had a great time and planning new things in 2016!
We are changing our lives and doing it together!
www.jeuxdessaisons.com
It has been a VERY busy year.
Also a new vacation rental coming! The little bridge house will be ready this spring and summer 2016.
To be continued................xoxo bizzzzz
Thanks for stopping by!
Nikki
Game of Seasons
Upgraded new cards came today..........soooooooo happy!
