Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa MacMurchy, president of Brewed Awakening Coffee Co., located in Regina, SK, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
When we first opened Brewed Awakening, I thought I was going to be in the business of selling specialty coffee and fresh baked goods, but I quickly learned, we are in the business of relationships. Many meaningful conversations happen over our counter. A kind word or smile can make all the difference to why our customers return. (besides our great-tasting house-made baking, soups or sandwiches, and of course our own branded blend of coffees).
Our customers range from babies to seniors. Most live in the nearby communities, but we do have the privilege of serving travelers and those who passerby on the way to work, etc. We listen to our customers and have taken a lot into account for designing our menu. We offer a variety of drinks and food for gluten-sensitive, vegan, dairy-free, and low sugar. Make no mistake, our cinnamon buns baked fresh every morning, decadent brownies, and vegan donuts are still our major sellers :)
Tell us about yourself
I am a mother/stepmother to 4 children, four dogs and recently became a legal guardian to a 5-year-old girl whose mother passed recently. I started in the service industry when I was 14 years old, making ice cream, burgers, managing a sports bar, and then moved on to Marketing/ Advertising with the LeaderPost NewsPaper. I used to bake cookies for my coworkers, and they all remarked how I should open my own place one day. I carried that in my heart for a long time before I was brave enough to make the move. I started out baking from a little kitchen creating logo/photo cookies which I called Mrs. Macs Cookies. My husband Ken and I opened a little coffee shop in the Hotel Sask for a couple of years, selling the works of local artisans. In 2011 I took the leap (and bank loan) and started Brewed Awakening on Woodhams Drive East Regina. My motivation is working alongside the coolest people and seeing so many faces of our community each day. I'd have to say that having an oat milk latte waiting for me is a big reason to jump out of bed as well. LOL.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of the most successful things I can contribute to having our stores is the opportunity to be able to give back to the community. COVID times have presented many struggles, and we like to be in a position to help raise money to help along. We are currently selling F-cancer Cookies with proceeds going to a lady who was just diagnosed with stomach cancer. She can not work and has no benefits. We have tagged along with some great charities and events in hopes we can help make a bit of a difference. There are so many that cross my desk each month that I wish we had zillions of dollars to help each one.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things being a business owner for me was being stretched for time with my own family. There were many times I had to miss a basketball game or have quality time at home because I needed to be at work. There were many tears. I was supported by other business friends to persevere, and then came the time each of our kids worked with us. One is now our marketing director, which is really exciting.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do it. Make sure you have passion and persevere. Don't ever think you can't. You'll need that passion to get you through the tough times and Persevere through no matter what.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are beyond proud of our teams over the ten years we have been in business. We find that a huge compliment to the people we work with. We are excited to share soon some new developments that are arising in 2022 for Brewed; stay tuned ;)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.brewedawakening.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brewedregina/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewedawake/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brewedawaken
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.