Our journey to success at Happy Cork

I am Sunshine Foss, the founder of Happy Cork Wine & Spirits Store – along with my husband Remo Foss. Today, I want to share our story – a story of adaptability, resilience and growth in the face of ever-changing demands and uncertainty. My hope is that by sharing our journey, we can inspire and offer valuable insights to all of you who, like us, are navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

When we started Happy Cork, we knew that the only constant in life and business is change. The world around us was always shifting, and to succeed, we had to evolve with it. That was the mindset shift that became the cornerstone of our journey.

Embracing change

The first lesson we learned is to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. We realized that continuous learning was key. In an industry that constantly evolves, we had to stay open to new knowledge and adapt to the demands of our field. So, my husband and I dove into wine and spirits education, always striving to stay ahead of the curve.

Resilience has been another crucial element in our journey. We faced economic uncertainties, and like many of you, we encountered setbacks along the way. But we understood that setbacks are often the stepping stones to success. Each challenge became an opportunity to strengthen our resolve and emerge even stronger.

Adapting to new realities

As entrepreneurs, we had to confront complex financial and administrative tasks that were not our area of expertise. This is a familiar challenge for many small business owners. So, what did we do?

First, we acknowledged our limitations and sought expertise where needed. We realized that we couldn’t do it all alone. Seeking professional help for areas outside our expertise allowed us to focus on our core business while still managing financial and administrative tasks effectively.

One pivotal moment in our journey was when we joined the Ernst and Young (EY) Entrepreneurs Access Network for Minority-owned companies. This network provided us with invaluable expertise, coaching, and advice. It was a game-changer, helping us navigate complexities and make informed decisions.

Investing in our space

Back in 2016, we purchased the building where Happy Cork is located. This gave us more control over our business and has allowed us to stay within budget during tough times. Having our own space provided stability and flexibility, enabling us to adapt to changing circumstances more effectively.

Tips for success

Stay Adaptable: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, and be ready to pivot when necessary. Adaptability is a superpower in a changing world.

Cultivate Resilience: Develop a mindset that allows you to bounce back from setbacks stronger and more determined. Resilience is the bridge between challenges and success.

Continuous Learning: Invest in your own knowledge and skills. Learning is a lifelong journey, and it’s the key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Leverage Expertise Smartly: Don’t hesitate to seek expert help, even on a budget. Platforms like Fiverr can connect you with professionals who can help you in various aspects of your business.

Invest in Your Space: If feasible, consider investing in your physical location. It can provide stability and flexibility during challenging times.

In conclusion

Our journey at Happy Cork is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience and continuous learning. By embracing change, navigating complexity, staying open to new possibilities, and investing wisely, we have not only sustained our business but also achieved remarkable growth.

We hope that our story serves as an inspiration to all of you. Learn to embrace change, stay resilient, never stop learning, leverage expertise smartly, and consider investing in your space if it aligns with your goals.