Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Bigley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had an entrepreneur spirit. Even as a child I was always looking for ways to make money so I could be independent. I started at the age of 6 by cutting flowers out of neighbor’s yards then selling those same flowers door to door, sometimes to the same neighbor. That venture only lasted 1 day (for obvious reasons). At 14 ½ I had secured my first real job with a paycheck and never looked back.
Out of college, I gravitated back to the clothing industry which I was comfortable working in. But, 2 years later I decided I wanted a different life. So I started an entry-level job running operations for a plumbing company which also happened to be a franchise, American Leak Detection. It was there I discovered a love for a business model I knew nothing about Franchising.
12 years later after developing multiple systems and departments in the company and moving into the role of Vice President, I moved to a multi-brand service franchise called the Dwyer Group. From there I was recruited to Dunkin Brands (Baskin Robbins-Dunkin Donuts) to oversee field operations for several hundred locations. I was given the opportunity to run multiple departments there and after 5 years I had an opportunity to build something for myself.
I met my business partner in 2010 and we launched our partnership for Bottle & Bottega in 2011 with one location (Chicago Lakeview) and started building our company into a franchise. Today we have 2 company-owned studios (Lakeview and Downtown-South Loop) and 21 franchise locations across the country.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to building a business is never smooth or easy. I knew that going in. That’s part of what you sign up for when you open your own business and have to be built to withstand. Struggles along the way have been those things I don’t have control over. Consumer buying behaviors are constantly changing and we have to anticipate how and try to get ahead of it.
External vendor partners can change or not live up to promises which have an impact on the budget and overall momentum. Additionally, governmental regulations (local, regional and federal) imposed on small businesses has been a challenge and definitely impacted bottom line profitability.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We like to say that Bottle & Bottega is one part cocktail party and one part artistic adventure. We host painting and wine parties every night. Our guests may be painting on canvas, wood pallets, wine glasses or canvas bags. They may be visiting us individually, in groups of women, groups of men, couples night out or for a special event such as an adult birthday party, bachelorette party, baby shower or company team building party.
What I’m most proud of with our company is our ability to create outside of the box so our guests can do the same. We lead our industry in innovation and have over 10+ art forms our guests can participate in. Our customized company mural business is hands down the best creations in our industry and what we are known for. I love having a conversation with our corporate clients about their goals for their event and what they want the emotional and practical takeaways to be than bringing it to life for them with art.
We did that last summer for one of our regular corporate clients for 450 employees at Navy Pier. We created something totally unique and special for them mixing multiple art forms. The end result was phenomenal. It’s an amazing and proud moment to watch hundreds of employees clapping at what they created together proudly hang their art in their offices.
I’m always been fearless when it comes to trying things I’ve never done before. Whenever I was asked to take over a project or department the answer was always yes. I’ve run and grown departments I knew nothing about and entered industries I had no background in but I was successful. I’m not afraid to ask questions and ask for help and I LOVE to learn.
The challenge excites me so seeing a department thrive that I took over and creating opportunities for others along the way is an amazing feeling. The crown jewel though was the launch of my own franchise and opening our first studio. There is not a more proud moment than to see your dreams come to reality.
Pricing:
- Public classes range from $30-45 per person, depending on the art form
- Private parties start at $40 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 2901 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60567
- Website: http://bottleandbottega.com
- Phone: 773-570-7596
- Email: info@bottleandbottega.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottleandbottega_chicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BottleandBottega/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BottleBottega
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bottle-and-bottega-chicago-lakeview-chicago
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