Lessons from the Bar & Beyond for a woman's perspective: From Recipes to Resilience

Owning and running a business is like crafting the perfect cocktail: it takes balance, patience, and a little creativity. As we settle into our first holiday season under new ownership at Meyer Brothers, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned as a woman leading a brand with deep roots and big ambitions.

1. Trust Your Instincts

It’s easy to second-guess yourself when there’s so much at stake. I’ve learned that trusting my gut (women were given this amazing gift and we have to remember to use it) — whether it’s choosing a new packaging design, launching a promotion, or reaching out to a potential partner — often leads to the best outcomes. Your intuition is one of your most powerful tools.

2. Embrace the Firsts

Every decision feels like a first when you’re stepping into new ownership or trying something you’ve never done before. These “firsts” — from our first full holiday production run to introducing new product bundles — are milestones to celebrate. They teach, shape, and ultimately help your business grow.

3. Build Your Community and Surround Yourself with the Right Team

Running a business is never done in isolation. Over the past year, I’ve realized how critical it is to surround myself with the right people:

  • Adam Rortvedt from Big Climb Partners, who brings strategic insight and guidance. (He has talked me off the ledge so many times in this last year)

  • My amazing husband, Tom Meyer, whose support and perspective keeps me grounded

  • Fifth Color Marketing Agency, helping us refresh our brand and product look

  • My sister, Christal Mulder from Edward Jones Investments, who offers financial wisdom and encouragement

Together, they make it possible to navigate challenges, celebrate wins, and move the company forward with confidence. Being a woman in business doesn’t mean doing it all alone — it means knowing who to trust, lean on, and learn from.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to get lost in the big picture, but I’ve learned to stop and appreciate the small victories: a customer’s kind messages, a flawless production run, or seeing our products displayed in stores for the first time. These moments remind me why we started and fuel the journey ahead.

Leading Meyer Brothers has been challenging, rewarding, and full of surprises — and I know this is just the beginning. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience, creativity, and purpose make all the difference.

Here’s to embracing the firsts, learning from every experience, and building a business (and life) we’re proud of.

Cheers,
Cheri Meyer
Meyer Brothers 


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