Talk Over Some Coffee, Tea, and Desserts!

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liz Fulks, Owner of Convo Coffee, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

We are a family-owned coffee shop of three generations. My parents make the pastries, and the rest of the family is either cashiers or baristas. Our customers are locals in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tell us about yourself

I was a teacher for over 12 years. I had always told my students that when I left teaching, I would be a barista. After the pandemic hit, my family really missed being around people and realized the importance of having a place where people could come and have conversations. Convo Coffee was born on February 14, 2022, and we have become close with all our regulars. We are motivated by them each day, bringing in joy and giving them a cup of happiness with not just coffee but customer service. It is our goal to make sure each and every customer feels important and special; you are to feel like family.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I get to work every day with my parents and my family. We have grown our business so much and are now known for my parent's cinnamon rolls around town. Another accomplishment is all the friends and acquaintances we have made opening this business. We have had the chance to connect with other communities and now host clubs. We have a Saturday crochet club that comes in. We have a huge sense of community.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is working 6 to 7 days a week. When we first opened, we were 7 days a week. I have a family and a home to still run; my husband still works full time, so getting to make sure our home was clean and organized ended up being the last thing on our list. My son said it best when we finally got our first break, "Mom, I'm a type of tired that sleep can't fix." That summed up our first year perfectly well. We decided to start taking a day off, and that has definitely improved our quality of life (and my house!). Realizing that relaxing is just as important as working was a tough one to get through our heads. Honestly, taking the day off hasn't really affected us the way I thought it would and has helped our mental well-being.

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

My top 3 tips - if you are opening a coffee shop or a shop in general and need a contractor, shop around. Make sure you get a contractor that fits your needs and really listens to you. Make sure you take time for yourself. If you don't take time, you burn out very quickly. Find something that brings you joy, and make sure you do it outside of work. Lastly, imposter syndrome is a real thing. Make sure you surround yourself with people who encourage you and continue to lift you up. There will be many times when you sit and question whether you made the right choice. Have family and friends there to remind you of your goals and all that you have achieved.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.convocoffeehouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/convo.coffee.house
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversation.coffee/

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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