Cidery of the Year 2022 , Best New Cidery , Best New World Cider and Best Specialty Cider in the Craft Beer and Cider Readers ’ Choice Awards .
I see stewardship and getting involved with the land as an extension of wellness ; our body is a whole system , and we are very much a part of surrounding ecosystems . Even back in Crofton ( over 20 years ago !), there was clear awareness of climate change . So the second business allowed me to align more closely to my environmental values . I wanted to do something where we can bring ourselves closer to understanding our relationship with the land . Coming from the city , there is a very real dissociation where people have little concept of how everything works together . Even the simple idea of drainage and how water flows through the land isn ’ t commonly understood – things that are integral to the way we function as a civilization . Starting a project like Banditry Cider was a way to do something that feels more integrated and helps others experience that connection .
What does it take to be an entrepreneur ?
Kim shared that some of the skills learned at CHS , such as having a voice , problem solving and being a lifelong learner , translate well to being an entrepreneur .
Having that innate confidence is very powerful because you are able to take up space just like your male counterparts , and you can go into these arenas and still feel comfortable .
To be an entrepreneur is to be a constant problem solver . It is a path of lifelong learning that is difficult but rewarding . You are forced to take full accountability for the outcome of any results … which is both scary and empowering . When things go wrong , I ’ m always looking for ways to find a silver lining . When we have some customers who are unhappy , we find ways to turn things around and overdeliver and build trust that way . On the flip side , being an entrepreneur requires huge levels of understanding of our own boundaries . One of my favourite quotes is “ You get what you tolerate .”
What are some of the most important things you ’ ve learned about running a business ?
A big one is building your network . Have a list of people that you ’ re going to need to call on , and find the people that you trust . Not only that you trust , that you communicate really easily with , so you ’ re not afraid to call them up , and you know that person is going to listen . It does require a bit of reaching out , putting yourself out there and looking for opportunities to connect with people . A great accountant and bookkeeper are good places to start .
To pay attention to your feelings . Your inner voice is your truth , and it is your greatest teacher . Whether positive or negative , you need to address the deepest part of who you are . For example , managing others is one of the hardest things you ’ ll do if you ’ re in charge of a business . Holding others accountable is hard , so having that inner practice where you ’ re really listening and understanding yourself will allow you to shift into measured action from a place of both empathy and logic rather than fear .
Connecting with a coaching program or mentorship . It ’ s so beneficial to have somebody who may be trained in your industry to be able to check in with and ask for advice or what the industry standard is . Small-business owners especially feel lonely but are NOT alone . They all struggle in very similar ways across many industries . Finding support groups or mentors in community is powerful and will allow you to save time from re-inventing the wheel .
What are you proud of ?
I ’ m really proud that I was able to come into a stronger leadership position with the second business while raising two young children . We built our family home at the same time . I ’ m happy our kids are joyful , and I ’ m proud that we were able to really be present with them through this whole process .
What do you value most from your time at CHS ?
I appreciate Crofton House because it was able to keep me on a path of discipline and hard work .
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