Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Schnell, Owner of FikaTime, located in Eagle River, AK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
FikaTime is a bakery specializing in Swedish cardamom buns. More than that, though, our business is really about sharing our love of “fika,” the traditional Swedish coffee break. Fika goes deeper than just coffee, though. It represents a way to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.
We have the best customers! FikaTime is especially for those who want to embrace the fika lifestyle - living life slower, more connected, and more fulfilled. Of course, we have repeat customers who come solely because they are crazy about cardamom buns (we’ve been told they are addictingly good)!
Tell us about yourself
We are a husband and wife team. We started FikaTime in 2020 when we were burned out on the way we were living life. I (Krista) was working the night shift as an RN and was physically and emotionally exhausted. The things we said we prioritized (friendship, family, faith community, rest), we realized we were not prioritizing at all because we had zero margins in our lives.
We made some major changes in order to move toward living well, and in the meantime, we started FikaTime as a way to share our passion for coming back to the good life. We are motivated by the desire to live life well. Our faith is a huge part of this. Jesus presents a new pattern of how to live life, one that leads to abundance. We love fika because it encompasses a few key elements of an abundant life - connection, slowing down, and, of course, cardamom buns!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of the coolest parts of this journey has been transforming our vision into a reality. The process of turning our idea into a concrete, functioning, successful business plan that contributes value to our customers’ lives has been surreal and so much fun.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The business starts and ends with you, so at the end of the day, you are responsible for everything - the good and the bad. When something goes wrong, you are the ultimate problem solver and solution finder. There’s no one to pick up the slack because you’re in charge! However, this is also the best part because when things go right and you have a big success, it’s very rewarding to know you made it happen.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t be afraid of failure. Failure is your friend - learn from it.
- Find your why. Knowing why you are doing what you are doing will keep you going when you face obstacles or when your enthusiasm has waned.
- Delegate when possible. Most things within the business can be done just as well or better by someone other than you. Find out what things only you can do and delegate the rest. Letting go of control will be hard, but you will have more impact by focusing on those elements of the business that you are really gifted at that no one else can do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fikatimeak.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064238316378
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fikatimeak/
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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