Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andres Amaya, Proprietor & Co-Founder of Andina Brewing Co., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-owned and South American-inspired micro-brewery. We produced craft beers in various styles. We particularly use fresh pulp fruit infused in our beers to brew a vast number of styles such as India Pale Ales, Pale Ales, Lagers, Sours, Saisons, and others. Our flagship beer is our Jalea Guava Saison - a champagne bubbles style in a Saison that it is easy to drink with lots of guava taste to make this a subtle yet powerful beer at 6.4% ABV. This past year we released 24 different beers. Most of them included a different variety of fruit. We have used 27 different fruits in our beers since we started brewing beers. If you like subtle yet full-flavored beers, do not miss any of our offerings. ¡SALUD!
Tell us about yourself
I am originally from Colombia, South America, living in Canada now for 22 years. We take our heritage, cultures, smells, and sounds from South America and incorporate this all into our experience. I make sure day in and day out that every single person that tries our beers or visits Andina, receives the best and most memorable experience. I want to ensure that when you leave our lounge, you say to yourself, "Wow, that was a wondering experience, and I definitely want to be back."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to provide a memorable experience to our customers. Either by drinking our beers in a far place or by visiting our lounge in East Vancouver. I believe my biggest accomplishment was to be able to offer a completely different experience to our customers through our South American-inspired products.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Consistency is key to keeping customers returning. Keeping consistency in service and products is not an easy challenge. In addition, keeping the business alive through COVID-19 took the tenacity of an old Greek god. We are still moving forward despite all the roadblocks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself and your product.
- Work as hard as you can because if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
- Manage your cash flow and finances carefully. You must know your financials inside out. Otherwise, you will never be successful.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Andina Brewing has a delicious Colombian-inspired menu. Although small in size (as we are not a restaurant) we do have lots of selection which you may enjoy. Anywhere from ceviches (some vegan) to Platachos (nachos made with plantain chips - not tortilla chips) to arepas and empanadas (beef, veggies, and cheese). If you are in a mood for a different selection of food and beers, please visit us soon.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://andinabrewing.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andinabrewingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andinabrewingco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndinaBrewingCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andina-brewing-company/about/
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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