EDC CLIENT STORIES

Lisa and Alfred Mesa’s entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by their passion for exceptional customer service and a shared vision to create a distinctive space to enrich their community. Their dream of introducing Solvang’s locals to the delights of regional wines, craft beer and curated goods inspired them to establish their business. Moreover, their desire to settle in Solvang added a personal touch to their entrepreneurial aspirations, anchoring their commitment to success in the town they loved.

In 2012, Lisa and Alfred took a leap of faith and launched the Good Life Cellar despite facing initial hurdles. Their dedication and perseverance paid off as their venture flourished, becoming a cherished establishment in their community. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, threatening the very existence of their business.

Amidst the uncertainty, Tracy Beard, an EDC Small Business Development Center advisor and Solvang Chamber Executive Director, emerged as a beacon of support for Lisa and Alfred. As an existing chamber member, they trusted Tracy’s guidance and suggestion to become an EDC SBDC client. Tracy’s guidance was invaluable during this tumultuous period, providing the couple with the resources and expertise to navigate the crisis.

With the guidance of Tracy and the EDC SBDC, Lisa and Alfred swiftly adapted their business model to meet the changing market demands, revamping their website and launching an online shop to serve their customers during the lockdown. Lisa mentioned, “Tracy made sure that everything was getting done and we were getting the support that we needed. Tracy made it about as easy as it could possibly be, and it was not easy.” Additionally, Lisa and Alfred secured a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) with Tracy’s assistance, providing vital financial support to sustain their business.

Reflecting on their journey, Lisa and Alfred affirmed the importance of seeking help and remaining resilient in adversity. Alfred mentioned, “I think the biggest thing is not to be afraid to ask for help because it is out there. Just be humble and humble yourself to ask the questions. Running a business is not easy. There’s a lot going on, and having a helping hand is huge.” The duo expressed their gratitude and unwavering support of EDC SBDC, Tracy and the chamber, a testament to partnership in times of hardship.

Looking ahead, Lisa and Alfred are focused on celebrating Good Life’s milestones and continuing to foster community support for their business. With the ongoing support of the EDC SBDC, they are confident in their ability to overcome any future challenges and achieve their goals. Lisa emphasized to business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start a business, “As a small business owner, getting free expert advice is unheard of and to know that EDC is there through every step is fantastic. I wish we had known about EDC sooner because this would have been an amazing resource for us when we opened our business. It would have made things so much easier. People should know that this is a free service from start to finish with expert advice.”