BC Business
What to do this November: go to distilling school, become an entrepreneur and build your brand
So, you think you’d like to become a craft distiller. The Distillery School offers a five-day hands-on program for a class of just three students. Learn to mill, mash, distill, bottle, label and clean alongside the pros at North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver Distillery, plus pick up tips on practices from budgeting and licensing to sales and distribution. Graduates have gone on to launch Fernie Distillers, Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery in Revelstoke and the Woods Spirit Co. in North Van, with more in the works. There’s a class November 5 to 9, and another in January. And in Kelowna, Urban Distilleries + Winery‘s Canadian Craft Distillery Institute has a hands-on workshop November 5 to 10, plus a couple in March with more dates as classes fill up.
The Make It craft show doesn’t take place until December, but its founder, Vancouver-based Jenna Herbut, has written a book that comes out this month. Make It Happen: The Creative Entrepreneur’s Guide to Transforming Your Dreams Into Reality includes pointers, case studies and exercises for turning an idea into a business. Page Two Books 227 pages, paperback, $19.95
Why is it important to understand your brand? Because, according to Ben Baker, founder of Your Brand Marketing, whether it’s landing that first job, convincing someone to marry you, getting a promotion, closing a deal, leading a team or just having your opinion matter in everyday life, your brand is the key to success. In Powerful Personal Brands, Baker, who lives and works in Steveston, B.C., bolsters his own advice with insights from business leaders across North America, followed by exercises to help the reader reflect on what they’re all about. Your Brand Marketing 200 pages, paperback, $24.95