Legendairy Milkshake Bar - Christina Barnett
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Barnett, owner of Legendairy Milkshake Bar, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Legendairy Milkshake Bar™ is a small, family-owned, and operated business (not a franchise or corporate company - we own 100% of our business!) - just a father-daughter duo, trying to make big dreams happen! We have one open location in downtown Nashville. We will open two more locations in New Orleans and Miami this year (2022). Our customers are hardcore milkshake enthusiasts, the families with/without children, visitors/tourists to big cities, and anyone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for a unique, one-of-a-kind dessert/experience.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from UA with a bachelor's in Marketing and Advertising. I worked in that field for three years before realizing I wanted to own my own business. My dad is an entrepreneur and has owned his own business his entire life. I was raised by one of the best business owners (in my opinion), and he is my hero - so I wanted to grow up to be just like him. He owns a construction business, which isn't my forte, so my dad and I decided to start, build, and grow a new business together from the ground up. We decided a Milkshake Bar would be an exciting adventure - and thus, Legendairy Milkshake Bar™ was born! We both love desserts, but we also love serving/customer service - we are both aspirational and very driven. Together, we've built an amazing, fun, successful business that is growing into other markets/states this year. My motivation to do what I do is self-fulfillment - getting up every day and feeling like I'm contributing to society, providing an excellent and unforgettable experience to customers, and providing great work opportunities for my employees/team members. The feeling of accomplishment & success at the day's end is an addicting feeling. I'm motivated to make myself my family (most of all, my dad) really proud!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to choose only one. I suppose the thing I am the most proud of and what is my greatest accomplishment is starting a brand new business from the ground up without any investors or third-party involvement. It's just been me and my dad and an insane amount of hard work. We own our business 100%, and we do not franchise. All locations are 100% owned and controlled by my dad and me. We have only been in business for four years. We are already expanding and opening up other locations in two other states (which we 100% own), and we have no plans to stop there. Our growth in these four short years results from our intense determination, sacrifice, and hard work. I think it is rare for business owners to grow so quickly and stay 100% in ownership - this is why I believe this is our greatest accomplishment and what I am most proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging thing is sacrifice. Being a successful business owner takes a lot of time. Time away from family, time away from sleeping, long, relentless work hours with limited breaks or days off. It's just the nature of the beast. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart or for the lazy. It's important to stay aware of work-life balance because it's easy to become a "workaholic" when you're a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask yourself if you're willing to make your business a top priority. If you have to stop what you're doing and fix a problem on your "off day," - can you commit to that? If you have to miss church on Sundays because of deadlines at work - can you save to that? If you have to take an important call during family dinner - can you commit to that? Owning a business is synonymous with determination and commitment. If you don't hold it to as high of a standard as family, church, etc., then you don't want to be a business owner. I often call my business my 3rd baby because you have to nurture it, care for it consistently, and commit time to it for it to stay alive (and grow!).
- Know Your Customer. Get familiar with using social media and apps like Canva to build your brand and grow your following. I don't believe new businesses will survive as well without the use of social media and engaging with their customers online. Be adaptable. Be relevant. Meet your customers where they are and where they spend the most time. Get to know them - allow them to get to know you.
- Be a good leader. Take classes on the subject. It's important to know the difference between being a boss and being a leader. Be the person who people want to work for/with. Owning a business won't get you very far if you don't know how to treat the people working for you. Stay humble and kind - and don't ever lose yourself to your success.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I encourage anyone who feels like being an entrepreneur/business owner may be the right path for them. Too many people are scared to take risks in this world - we, as a people, are fearful of failing. But you'll never know until you take that leap of faith. Just go for it! Put in the work (especially on the front end). I'm a firm believer that you get back what you put in. It takes drive, it takes smarts, it takes hard work, and it takes many long days/night + a few tears - but it will be worth it. We only get one life. If someone feels like this is their calling, like I did, don't miss your chance!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.legendairymilkshakebar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legendairymilkshakebar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendairymilkshakebar/
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.
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