Alcohol Allergy UnCorks Entrepreneur Spirit.
Charlie Taylor was allergic to wine..and so he set up a wine bar; naturally.
Charlie Taylor is the founder of Kask Wines in Bristol, and he says he is "Helping You Say No To Shit Wine." In our conversation we talk about his journey from a corporate career in Dubai to establishing a wine bar in Bristol, being allergic to alcohol, surviving the ups and downs of business, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of the NatWest Accelerator on his ability to get through it all.
#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Wine #Bristol #Community #NatWest
Breaking Down Barriers in the Wine Industry
Charlie’s vision for Kask Wines is to create a welcoming environment that demystifies the often snobby world of wine. Located on North Street in Bedminster, Bristol, Cask Wines aims to be a local pub where the main product is wine rather than beer. Charlie explains,
“We want to break down the barriers of getting into wine. It can be inherently a bit of a snobby industry. We basically want to create a local pub where the main product happens to be wine rather than beer and have that kind of comfy feel.”
A Personal Journey to Natural Wine
Interestingly, Charlie is allergic to alcohol, which led him to discover natural wines. After experiencing severe allergic reactions to industrial alcohol, which contain upto 7o toxins, he found that organic, minimal intervention wines did not trigger his allergies. This personal discovery fueled his passion for natural wines and the ethos behind them.
“I like the farming ethos, like the fact it's predominantly made by small farmers. Most of the land has been in families for generations. They've looked after the land.”
The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Transitioning from a corporate job in Dubai to running a wine bar in Bristol was not without its challenges. Charlie and his wife faced numerous obstacles, from finding the right location to dealing with the highs and lows of opening a new business.
“The first challenge was finding a location, and we had a very specific list of criteria we wanted. We wanted it to feel like a neighbourhood pub.”
Despite the setbacks, their determination and vision kept them moving forward.
Adapting During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge for Cask Wines, but Charlie’s resourcefulness helped the business adapt. When lockdowns forced the bar to close, they quickly pivoted to online wine tastings.
“We popped down and bought some pretty horrible looking plastic bottles, poured wine into it from other big bottles. It looked like we were delivering urine samples around Bedminster.”
This resourceful approach not only kept the business afloat but also introduced a new revenue stream through at-home tasting kits and corporate events.
The Role of the NatWest Accelerator
The NatWest Accelerator played a crucial role in helping Charlie refocus and grow his business. The Bristol centre manager provided valuable insights and support, allowing him to work on the business rather than just in it.
“The core thing for me was working on the business, not in the business.”
The shared office facilities is also the base for a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, which helped Charlie navigate the challenges of running a business.
Authenticity and Community
Authenticity is a core value for Kask Wines. Charlie believes in being transparent and genuine with his customers, even when it comes to his background.
“We always wanted Kask to be authentic and we always wanted the product to be authentic. The product is no chemicals, no bullshit,”
This commitment to authenticity extends to the customer experience, where the focus is on making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Looking Ahead
With a solid business plan in place, Charlie is focused on expanding Kask Wines. The next steps include developing their corporate tasting revenue stream and finding a new venue.
“The business plan has said, next step is further develop our corporate tasting revenue stream.”
The goal is to continue growing the business while maintaining the core values that have made Kask Wines a success.
Key Takeaways
Breaking Down Barriers: Creating a welcoming and accessible environment can demystify industries perceived as exclusive or snobby.
Personal Experience: Leveraging personal experiences and challenges can lead to unique business ideas and solutions.
Adaptability: Quickly adapting to unforeseen circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can help sustain and even grow your business.
Innovation: Offering innovative solutions, like virtual tastings and at-home kits, can open new revenue streams and expand your customer base.
Authenticity: Being genuine and transparent with your customers builds trust and strengthens your brand.
Community Focus: Building a business that serves and integrates into the local community can create a loyal customer base.
Support Systems: Participating in accelerator programs can provide valuable resources, support, and networking opportunities.
Delegation: Learning to delegate tasks and responsibilities is crucial for business growth and personal well-being.
Business Planning: Regularly revisiting and updating your business plan helps keep your goals clear and your business on track.
Mental Health: Prioritizing mental health through exercise, medication, or support systems is essential for long-term success and sustainability.
*Disclaimer: Please note that the views and information have not been endorsed, issued or approved by NatWest. Any views expressed in this podcast are not those of NatWest.
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