From Dreams to Cocktails: Bryan and Sanna's Entrepreneurial Journey
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is a daring leap into the unknown, driven by passion and an unyielding desire to build something greater than oneself. Meet Bryan and Sanna. In this blog post, we delve into their inspiring journey from corporate employees to business owners, their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of entrepreneurship.
Tell us about yourself and your journey to entrepreneurship/business ownership.
Bryan is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in pharmacy. Sanna is a graduate of the University of California- Chico with a psychology degree. From the time of their relationship, it was clear they both shared a desire to build a life bigger than themselves. It became clear as an employee of a corporation you are only as valuable as the cost it takes to replace you. In order to reach their goals of creating a secure future they control, and to create a foundation to help others, they knew business ownership was their path to get there.
Can you give us some insight into your entrepreneurial experience? What resources did you have/use when launching your startup When did you start your business?
Sanna created and founded the Women's Initiative for Learning and Discovery (WILD) to educate women on outdoor activities. Bryan owned and operated Personal Medication Consulting to provide medication therapy management to patients. Bryan also worked as a community retail pharmacist in the Columbus area. In January 2023, after working together to operate a private event bartending service, they discovered an unmet need with cocktail drinkers. People wanted to put a new spin on their classic cocktails and mixology experiences. Derby Mule, Inc. pivoted to focus on meeting this need through artisan cocktail salt and sugar rimmers. Bryan relied on business books and podcasts to educate himself in any area he felt a need to further his business knowledge. Sanna was able to stay creative using her ability to develop amazing flavors of salt and sugar rimmers to enhance cocktails.
What is the hardest lesson you have learned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
As a couple owning a business, Bryan and Sanna had to learn to set boundaries around their personal lives and being co-owners of a growing business. A start up business can be mentally consuming as you are working toward a business goal. They've learned to make the business part of their lives but work to not let it become their only life. This has been a challenge because there is the desire to get things done as quickly as possible and to put personal goals to the side. Finding the balance has been to keep this balance in check.
What are your greatest accomplishments earned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
Since January 2023, Derby Mule went from test marketing rimmers at the Farmer's Markets in the 30A area of Florida to being a part of 13 retail stores in Georgia, Alabama, Florida , Louisiana and Colorado. The business continues to add new retail accounts as well as focusing on direct to consumer sales.
How has your business evolved since its inception?
Originally founded as a private event bartending service founded in 2021, Derby Mule saw the bigger picture and changed the business model. The focus is to build a nationally distributed product so people all over the USA can have better cocktails and great times with friends and families.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your business?
In starting a new business, there is going to be ebbs and flows in growth. Bryan and Sanna have learned not to get excited or too low emotionally but to keep the "plan" as the measure for how the business is actually performing. It took some time to learn this logic over emotion mindset.
What are your hopes for the future of your business(es)? Do you have any hopes for our community's aspiring entrepreneurs?
It is Derby Mule's plans to develop a business model that grows to give back to individuals going through health challenges as the owners have first had experiences these challenges can bring on a family. Second, as business growth allows, the owners would like to mentor other business start ups and invest in their future. Bryan and Sanna believe no one reaches a goal on their own. They are thankful to anyone that has purchased and enjoyed Derby Mules artisan rimmers.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs looking to take that leap of faith and find their ‘start?'
Just to jump! You'll learn way more from experiences than you will ever from reading a book. Applied knowledge is the path to wisdom. There's a lot of smart people talking theory based on what they have read and think they know. There's fewer people willing to make mistakes to get to their goals. If you want advice, get it from someone that has actually done what you are trying to do.
What do you think makes Columbus an exceptional community for startups to thrive? How can our community better support entrepreneurs?
In the last few years, it appears on the surface more people are turning to self employment. There are plenty of business owners already in the community willing to share their wisdom / knowledge, you just have to reach out to them. You'll be surprised to find Columbus has some great business leaders willing to sit down with you if you ask.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If you really want to reach big dreams, be willing to give up some things that bring you enjoyment now. You can't get to a better place staying where you are.
How can our readers learn more about you and your business?
www.derbymule.com
Derby Mule also has accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Bryan and Sanna's story is a testament to the power of determination and unwavering commitment. From their humble beginnings in 2021 to the thriving business that Derby Mule. has become, their entrepreneurial journey teaches us valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. As we look to the future, their aspiration to give back to the community and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs serves as a shining example of the spirit of innovation and generosity that can drive any startup to success.
