Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Pedone, owner of GI Juice & Java, located in Buckingham, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
GI Juice is a woman-owned and operated cafe in beautiful Bucks Co, PA. Our mission is your health. No corners cut; we are mission-focused. Not your typical juice shop full of pretentious people, we are real, and we are here to help you be your very best. Everything in our cafe is made in-house or locally sourced. We pride ourselves in sourcing and supporting over 20 local Bucks Co farms and small businesses in our store.
Supporting us is not just helping my family and me but also supporting countless other entrepreneurs and their families. Our juices have over 3lbs of locally grown raw veggies per bottle. Our raw desserts are packed full of essential nutrients and superfoods and completely neglect refined sugars, preservatives, dairy, and gluten. We offer a full line of hard-to-find items like locally farmed and distilled herbal tinctures, healthy foods, bowls, and innovative desserts. We also have a nutritionist on staff for consultations and food planning.
Tell us about yourself
After moving back home to Buckingham after spending my post-college years in NYC, I noticed there wasn't much available for those looking for healthy options. I'm a mom on the go and used to having fresh, healthy options for me and the kids; it was a bit of a shock not finding that here. Many "greenwashed" companies, but nothing truly healthy to be found, so I had to change that. Having a place where customers can feel zero guilt about eating here is our focus and goal.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's a great feeling to know that your small business brings such freedom and wisdom to so many. To be able to educate people on healthy living and lifestyle has been a blessing. Also, to allow my family to be supported by so many loyal customers through these very hard past two years has been truly humbling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For my family, in particular, we are duel business owners. My husband owns a small business in NYC. I run the cafe's day-to-day operations and my husband's business while raising two boys (8,10). Time management is very important. Everything is scheduled and organized. Running a cafe is not a 40 hour a week position, especially when local sourcing from as many businesses as we do. Hours outside of the restaurant add up quickly when picking up from various farms. But it is all worth it to support our local farmers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be prepared to work harder than you have ever worked before. Be prepared for your business to be more than a side hustle. Make sure that your family is ready for your dream and fully supports you in that dream. It truly takes a village; encouragement and support are key. Remember, you don't have a boss to run to for support anymore. You are your own support. Get ready to have highs and lows as you have never experienced before. Be ready for everyone to doubt you, family, friends, and customers. Be prepared for complete strangers to tell you how they would do things. Find the inner strength to push through and carry on no matter what the naysayers bring your way. Be prepared to have a vision and watch that vision change, and then change 16 more times. Never stop learning; never think you know everything because you don't. You don't know a damn thing, and that is ok.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Start small and build. Keep debt low. Slow and steady.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gijuiceco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gijuiceco/
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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