Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gaston Martinez, Founder and CEO of IZO Spirits, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

IZO Spirits is a collection of premium, handcrafted agave spirits produced sustainably right in the heart of his rural hometown according to centuries of tradition. Made sustainably from slow-roasted, wild agave hearts harvested on local ranches, every sip of award-winning IZO Mezcal speaks to generations of Mezcaleros bringing people together around shared values of community, celebration, and savoring the reward of a job well done. Every aspect of IZO Spirits pays respect to its point of origin, from the locally-sourced Onyx featured atop the bottle to the elegant, minimalist design that allows the flavorful spirit within to shine. The pure, sophisticated taste of IZO Mezcal tells the story of centuries-old Mexican tradition and of one man's vision to share it with the world.

Tell us about yourself

I'm the Founder and CEO of IZO Spirits, which sustainably produces a collection of premium, handcrafted agave spirits according to centuries of tradition in the heart of Durango, Mexico. A native of Durango, I created the IZO brand to carry out my lifelong vision of preserving the legacy of pure, all-natural Mezcal, for which his hometown is known. In my family and culture, Mezcal was a symbol of celebration and the pure enjoyment of life. Now, alongside a team of hand-picked local talent, I share the experience of an award-winning Mezcal - the first of many IZO fine, handcrafted agave spirits - with the world beyond Durango. Made sustainably from slow-roasted, wild agave hearts harvested on local ranches, every sip of IZO Spirits speaks to generations of Mezcaleros bringing people together around shared values of community, celebration, and savoring the reward of a job well done.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to be in this competitive market and being able to stand out in the industry itself. It's very competitive and saturated in the spirits world. I'm fortunate enough to create a full line of spirits!

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

The responsibility to perform and produce. Not letting anyone down, especially your loyal customers. My goal is to live up to their expectations and move forward together and grow the brand bigger and better!

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

  1. Find something you really enjoy doing because, in the beginning, you'll be doing it for free! You have to be really passionate about it, regardless of the income or paying yourself back.
  2. Creating a plan with stages, the business plan, and personal goals are very important.
  3. Being consistent it's key in any industry, along with being disciplined.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes! I wanted to share our full lineup/award-winning line:

IZO Mezcal Reposado is crafted from wild agave hearts traditionally slow-roasted over volcanic rock and offers a velvety, subtly smoky flavor perfect for sipping. Aged at least two months in American Oak barrels, each batch carries a soft, seductive aroma of banana and green apples set against hints of warm vanilla and rich walnut.

IZO Mezcal Añejo also begins with the lightly crisp flavor of all-natural wild agave. After slow-roasting, each batch is aged at least 12 months in American Oak barrels for a rich depth of smoky flavor that warms the soul.

IZO Mezcal Ensamble artfully blends distilled Cenizo and Lamparillo agave - each wild-grown and native to high-altitude areas of Durango, Mexico - for an earthy, full-bodied flavor with a delightfully fruity finish.

IZO Sotol is distilled from the slow-roasted Mexican "Desert Spoon" plant. Maturing over 15 years and yielding only one bottle per plant, the distilled Sotol carries hints of the lightly sweet piñas (or "hearts") from which it is sourced.

IZO 100% Agave Tequila Extra Cristalino Añejo features the distinctive taste of Blue Agave native to the Mexican state of Jalisco. Aged for three years in wooden barrels for the complexity of flavor, the spirit is then charcoal filtered to produce a bright, blanco finish.

IZO Bacanora is double distilled in copper and stainless steel. Aromas of desert minerals are delicately combined with the smokey tones of anise, apple, and pepper to produce a full-bodied yet soft, smooth finish.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.izospirits.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izospirits
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izospirits/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gmsd6191
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaston-martinez-68b70238/

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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