Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Jenkins Hall.
Hi Natasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2017 I attended a 3-day seminar for entrepreneurs designed to show us tools and strategies to create wealth. It was a three-day event and most of what I remember are details on how to sell products on amazon and ways to get approved for lines of credit to get your business started. Neither of which I had much interest in. Throughout the 3 days, however, I did take notes and talk to mentors and professionals about what kind of business I wanted to start and what my goal was or the business. I learned that I didn’t have to create a new business from scratch or reinvent the wheel. I could simply put a new twist on something already existing. The workshop also taught me how to focus on my end goal with my business, something I never thought about. The best jewel I took away from the workshop was to “Shoot First, Aim Later” to me this meant to just get started. Not to wait for things to be perfect, but to begin and grow along the way. With these nuggets tucked in my pocket, I decided to jump out there and get started. Toward the end of 2017, I began doing all the paperwork to get my business started. Filing for my EIN, my business license, and getting a logo created. I was also doing all of this as a newlywed, purchasing a new home, starting a new career, commuting, and living part-time an hour and a half away from my husband. In the beginning of 2018, I made the decision to leave the position I had taken out of town and return back to a previous employer to be back closer to home, my husband, and family. Doing so also allowed me time to get back to my entrepreneurial plans. The end of 2018 I purchased my first slushy machine. I did a girl’s night at my home and introduced my product to close friends who I knew enjoyed wine. In January of 2019, I did my first bridal show in a town about an hour away from where I live. Keeping in mind the “Shoot First, Aim Later” advice I had received the year prior I only had a black tablecloth, my machine, sample cups, and business cards on the table at the bridal show. There were beautiful elaborate setups all around me. However, I did not let it deter me. The brides loved my product and I started booking my calendar there on the spot for the upcoming 2020 wedding season. I left that bridal show with the momentum I needed to grow and be successful in my business. later that year I participated in a Taste event where I gave out samples to over 1200 people. The response again was phenomenal with all the guest loving the wine slushy. Towards the end of 2019, I took a few days to research all upcoming 2020 festivals, concerts, cultural events that allowed vendors to participate. I had my calendar full with everything I planned to be a part of and started working on a design to house my slushy machine because I knew I had to grow past just the tablecloth on a table. Believing that COVID19 would not be around forever and that the world would open again I started once again planning my calendar for 2021. This time I went back to my goal of where I want to end my business. I knew I wanted to end my business with locations inside of Collegiate and Professional sporting arenas and stadiums, so I began working towards that. I was able to secure a contract to be a concession vendor with the University of South Carolina in both their Basketball Arena and Football Stadium. The response from fans has been overwhelming. My team is constantly praised for their customer service and for the product we provide at each event. The basketball arena also host all concerts and large events that come to the city which I am able to participate as a vendor in each one of those as well. My business grew from 4 weddings in on year to 8- 14 events per month. I’ve grown from one slushy machine, and table cloth to two machines, two carts, and two freezers working towards adding more in 2022. I have been offered a location during the upcoming USC Baseball season. There are plans for a second location inside of the Football Stadium during the 2022 season.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
2020 came and I was excited because I knew it was going to be my year, I purchased a second slusy machine to get ready for all the calendar dates I planned to have. Then COVID 19 struck and festivals, concerts, weddings all began to cancel and get postponed. My balloon had been deflated and I was not sure if I would be about to start again. I was just beginning my business and COVID 19 stopped it, or so I thought. I was very discouraged and thought about just selling my slushy machines and walking away from the business. There were about 4 brides that still held their dates in 2020 and I was able to provide them with a great experience with my products and that helped to keep the fire lit under me to move forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Frozen Grapes?
A new way to enjoy wine with a fun, class, cool twist. I make wine infuses slushies that are great for any event. The brand is known for the awesome flavors and the cool packaging. For events, we set up a full experience for your guests. Whether you choose to have just the slushy machine with wine or alcohol-infused slushies or want to have a full bar experience for your guests we can make that happen. We provide cup servings with fruit garnishes or we can provide resealable pouches where attendees can easily carry their beverages to their seats without fear of spilling it. I am proud that when we are at the football games there are regular customers that come from the other side of the stadium to get a slushy from us and tell us it’s the best thing they have had. I enjoy that we can capture that audience of people who are not beer drinkers but typically enjoy a glass of wine. One of the main reasons for me starting this business is because personally, I do not drink beer, and a lot of times when you to out to sporting events and concerts the concessions are full of beer. I want readers to know that Frozen grapes is perfect for weddings, corporate events, baby showers, and private parties! With custom signature cocktails and professional event bartenders, bring a special and unique touch to your event. they can enjoy one of our carefully handcrafted frozen wine cocktails. A frosty, frozen treat you will never forget. Non-GMO. Made with real dehydrated fruits. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That you cannot wait for things to happen but that you have to go out and make things happen. Ask for what you want. If one person says no then go to the next until you get the yes. My aunt used to always say “nothing beats a failure but a try”. To just start and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@frozengrapesllc.com
- Website: thefrozengrapes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frozengrapes.llc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrozenGrapesLLC
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrozenGrapesLLC
Image Credits
The Foto Bros
