Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dennis Johnson, owner of Jitters...Where Coffee is an Art, located in Eagle River, AK, USA.

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

Jitters...Where Coffee is an Art. We are a family-owned retail coffee business. We serve a variety of grab-and-go items from Kat's Trailbites to breakfast burritos, all locally made in Anchorage and Eagle River. We also have our very own baker, who is known for her deliciously heart-shaped scones, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, assorted cookies, and rice crispy treats. We also serve a variety of gluten-free pastries. We have a beautifully handcrafted rock fireplace in our cafe and comfortable seating for those that do not want to sit at the table or bar area.

For those that opt-out of sitting in our cafe, we have a 1949 Ford Railway Express truck renovated to serve as a drive-thru. Our customer base ranges from the high school student looking for a place to meet friends over Italian sodas or coffee to the business executive looking to secure a deal over a cup of specialized coffee in a pleasant atmosphere. Private groups utilize the facility in the evenings for weddings, parties, and various fundraisers.

Tell us about yourself

Our business is actually a result of a "hobby that went astray." A photo passion that led to picture framing resulted in opening a gallery custom frame shop called Picture This in 1984. The retail space next to us sat vacant for some time, so the idea of a coffee shop materialized ten years later. Carrying the art theme over to the new business with monthly revolving art shows, a large sit-down area complete with antique tables and coffee decor all made for one of the best-known coffee shops in Alaska, as evidenced by the number of awards we receive annually.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel our biggest accomplishment has been creating a successful long-time successful business that has turned into the #1 hot spot in Eagle River.

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

Early on, when establishing a business, one of the biggest challenges is finding the balance between work and family commitments. The learning curve is substantial, so it's often difficult to know when to call it a day. Selecting employees who share your commitment and passion is an additional challenge.

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

Having the passion for doing what the business requires is a great starting point. It makes going to work every day, long hours, and multiple daily challenges much more palpable. Recognizing a community need is also an important consideration. Is your business viable for your population base? What is your competition? Is there a location that will lend yourself to your business plan? The third important consideration centers around capitalization. Exam your start-up costs, operational costs, and needed profit margin to ensure that your business model will succeed. Don't expect success and windfalls of money overnight.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business is a major lifestyle change, but it's worth it! It will change your life. Everyone in the family needs to be on board. Being your own boss and controlling your destiny will be the reward of a successful business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jitterseagleriver.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jitterseagleriver/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jitterseagleriver/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jitterser

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.