Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hines.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been a bartender for almost 20 years. Starting out the week that I turned 21 in a music venue with a bit of a neighborhood dive bar vibe. Over the years, working behind many different bars, I moved more toward craft cocktails. I started making bitters as a hobby using ingredients I could find in my backyard. From there my brand, Bitter Girl Bitters, grew into a business. I now have a production warehouse where I make 6 flavors of bitters from local and homegrown ingredients based in Sonoma County.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think it is possible for it to be a smooth road when starting a small business. There have been more struggles than I can count. This last week has been a self-struggle. I always tell people that the hardest thing about being a small business owner is that you are your only motivation. When things aren’t going the way you planned or expected, it’s on you to change that. There isn’t anyone else that can keep you motivated but yourself. Thankfully I am surrounded by friends and family that support, encourage and believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make bitters for cocktails and food from ingredients that I grow in my backyard garden. I have always had a gift for understanding flavors and how they work together. I am able to create flavors that highlight other ingredients in cocktails and food. Really the salt and pepper of the drink. I am proud of the fact that I have stuck with the business despite so many days of feeling overwhelmed and wanting to give up. I think that my experience working as a bartender really sets me apart. I get my hands dirty still every week behind the bar.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I recently took a huge risk and moved my business out of my home and into an 1800 square foot production warehouse. It was definitely a risk but for me, it was more about believing in myself and trusting the future success of my business. I think it’s only a true risk if you intend on giving up at any point.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bittergirlbitters.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bittergirlbitters/?hl=en-gb
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/latest/home?asset_id=765624306807902&nav_ref=profile_plus_profile_left_nav_button
