Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephen Davis, Owner of Bear House Coffee Roasters, located in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a micro-batch coffee roaster. Using our mobile coffee lab to share the experience with others by bringing the coffee to you, but don't sleep on the food!
Tell us about yourself
I first started roasting coffee right out of college after a conversation with a good friend. We wanted to find a way to reach people on a deeper level while doing something we loved to do. You never know what to expect on your day-to-day. Like right now, for instance, I'm sitting here enjoying a Maple Barrel Aged Latte somewhere at a coffee shop in California, doing research on how I can craft new ideas to bring back for the coming spring season.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm not much of a goal-setter. I have a very "go with the flow kind of personality." I'm not sure I have the biggest accomplishment because I don't believe anything I've accomplished is to my credit. It goes to all the people who have felt led over the years to help me along the way.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The grind never ends! You are always looking back, trying to figure out how to become better at your craft. Learning to shut off and be present with the ones you love can be hard. It's not easy, but something I'm getting better at all the time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just start. You're never going to have it all together as you want before your ready. I had no idea if I was going to make it through the first couple of months of opening. It's easy to say to yourself, well, if only I had a little more money, or the economy just doesn't look great right now. You can make any excuse to hold yourself back, but I would just encourage you to make the jump.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bearhousecoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearHouseCoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearhousecoffeeroasters/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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