Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sam Lin, owner of Bobapop Tea Bar, located in Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We serve refreshing boba tea drinks with a wide variety of tea bases & flavors. We strive for customization for every customer as we believe everyone's taste buds are different. Furthermore, we have heavy caffeine, caffeine-free, lactose-free & vegan options too!

Tell us about yourself

Inspired by our friend who made a name for Bobapop in Asia - we wanted to introduce the brand and customize the drinks according to the region. We love the challenge of being an underdog among the big international brands.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We stayed open through the pandemic and never closed once. Within the same week with the no dine-in order, we ordered plexiglass from Europe, hand sanitizers from Korea, face masks from Taiwan, disinfectant from a local commercial distributor, customized a kiosk system, added a UV disinfectant for cell phones, hand wipes from an eyeglass cleaning company, and installed a new online system to space out orders. (Knock on wood) - we've been happy with the protection of the employees and our customers.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The big brand competitors will always have a leg up in resources, whether that is in marketing, profit margin, investment in technology, and keeping prices very low. It's difficult to compete and stand out.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Your business has to be self-sufficient - there is a difference between a hobby and a business.
  2. Learn when to wear multiple hats and when to outsource.
  3. Work & life balance - having sufficient downtime to maintain positive mental & physical health.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being your own boss has a wide spectrum of good & bad days - make sure you are well suited to handle it. Reach out to local small businesses to share ideas and build connections.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bobapopdmv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bobapopdmv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobapop_dmv/

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.