Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessie Puzach, owner of Birch & Banyan Coffee, located in Hartland, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and run a wonderful little independent coffee shop in Hartland, Wisconsin, which is about halfway between Milwaukee and Madison. We're celebrating five years this spring! We've become a staple destination of the community, and we source local for as many products as possible. We can have a group of teenagers studying next to a business meeting next to a group of parents stopping by after school drop off. Our customers range so much, and it keeps things lively.
Tell us about yourself
My coffee shop has been my dream since I was 15, and I started at a local shop in my hometown as their first employee. I saw the beginning and the behind-the-scenes and fell in love. My background is in marketing and advertising, but I left my career to take a leap of faith. I'm motivated every day by creating a happy place for my community to feel welcome, safe, and included.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I know I'm expected to answer with an award or something tangible, but I have a story instead. There's a man in our community with brain damage from an incident many years ago. We became a safe haven for him when we opened. I always explain to new employees that he's welcome here, and frankly, if he made someone uncomfortable that I would choose his side first. He passed away recently, and we closed the shop so that we could all attend his funeral. I met his social worker there, who told me that he used to be shunned by the community. People started warming up to him a bit a few years back, but she said it really changed when we opened up, and people saw him here and saw him as a real person. That warms my heart more than anything.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing people will always be the hardest part. I have an absolutely wonderful team, but it's an industry of turnover. Every new person changes the dynamic, so it's a constant project to keep on top of that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand your priorities going into it. I have a toddler at home, and I'm still learning how to balance work and family.
- Find a way to remind yourself why you're doing what you're doing. Some days are awful, and you'll second guess your decision. There are days I wish I could clock out and not take anything home. But it helps to remind me regularly why I'm doing this.
- Surround yourself with good people, whether it's partners, employees, mentors, etc.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.birchandbanyancoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birchandbanyancoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birchandbanyancoffee/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.