Episode 11: Bold Spirits: Sonja Kassebaum on Business, Community, and Women in Alcohol
Sonja Kassebaum:
C0-founder, North Shore Distillery
In this engaging conversation, Sonja Kassebaum, co-owner of North Shore Distillery, shares her journey from a legal career to becoming a pioneer in the craft distilling industry. She discusses the challenges faced in establishing a market for small-scale spirits, the impact of the pandemic on their business, and the importance of community and relationships in the industry. Sonja also highlights the evolving role of women in the alcohol business and offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What You'll Learn:
The distillery started 21 years ago when there were only 60 distilleries in the US, now there are about 5,000.
Sonja transitioned from a legal career to distilling, driven by a desire for meaningful work.
The craft spirits market was initially met with skepticism, requiring the founders to create their own market.
Sonja emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of the spirits industry, including marketing and customer engagement.
The pandemic presented significant challenges, but the distillery pivoted to produce hand sanitizer and support the community.
Sonja highlights the importance of taking time for big decisions amidst the daily minutiae of running a business.
Building relationships with local distributors and customers is crucial for success in the spirits industry.
Women are increasingly represented in the alcohol business, but challenges remain in a male-dominated industry.
Sonja encourages women entrepreneurs to embrace their journey and learn from every experience.
You can connect with Sonja Kassebaum
https://northshoredistillery.com
@nsdistillery
https://www.facebook.com/nsdistillery
You can connect with Malinda:
www.gratefulconnections.com
Malinda@gratefulconnections.com
@gratefulconnections_co
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