Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nora Specioso, Owner of Espressioso's Coffee, located in Santa Rosa, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a roasting coffee company! Our target community is everyday working people looking for a great cup of coffee with a love for supporting small businesses. We're looking to build and cultivate community as a business but also have our consumers grow with us and see our journey as we see them. One of our goals is to help cultivate our community's own relationships over our coffee and the positive atmosphere we strive to portray every day.
Tell us about yourself
My partner and I are veterans who have always been in search of good coffee and an atmosphere that makes us feel at home. My partner has a vast experience in the food industry, and we decided to create our own path, our own journey. We want to deliver to our community a place that we have been looking for. We are so excited to begin this process and journey!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Simply starting and putting yourself out there. It feels simple, but how many people do we know have a dream to work for themselves yet don't take that scary next step. This was our first biggest struggle, simply leaving the military on our own path. As we progress and move forward, we want to bring everyone with us. We want to help others grow, supporting unique small businesses. Develop and cultivate a healthy, safe place for people to be a part of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The small everyday decisions seem to be overbearing at times. Even choosing which coffee to roast next. Is our logo appealing? Is our coffee experience portrayed the way we want? Did we mess up an order? These little questions are the hardest for us, but we also believe that is where the soul is.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start; the journey will create its own path as you go.
- Your community is very important, treat everyone like family and make this the biggest product you give away for free. Having this support will give you the confidence to strive forward.
- Don't look for perfection; sometimes, creating content and products can consume your thought process. The 80/20 rule, get your product to 80% as fast as possible and finish the last 20% as time moves on, with as little stress as possible, creating an ever-evolving solid product.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Check us out on social media, and find where we will be for events until we find a permanent home! Thank you all, and hope to see you soon!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://espressiososcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/espressiososcoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressiososcoffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/espressiosos
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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