Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Austa Somvichian-Clausen, founder of grotto, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founder of a queer womxn's cocktail bar concept in New York called grotto. Our patrons are female-identifying trans and non-binary folks who enjoy a delicious cocktail and a welcoming atmosphere, either living in the city or visiting from elsewhere.
Tell us about yourself
When I'm not working on the grotto, I'm a hospitality journalist and published author, working on freelance stories for a number of national outlets. I got my start in the media world after graduating with my BA in Washington, DC, working my way up at National Geographic from an assistant to a writer and editorial project manager. I'm motivated each day by all of the unique stories I have the honor of telling and all the lovely people my partner and I meet at the grotto by night.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date is the ongoing grotto pop-up I'm working on in collaboration with the membership club, Soho House. Our pop-up can be found in the cozy Parlor Room of their Ludlow House location four nights every week, providing a safe and beautiful space for the LGBTQ+ community to take up space within.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner, and being self-employed in general, is constant self-motivation. Besides the opening hours of the pop-up, there aren't technically specific hours I'm required to work each day, so it is a constant battle of trying to motivate myself to get up and get the work done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
One tip I have for anyone looking to work for themselves is to understand what they are willing to sacrifice, whether that means money while they are starting up, sleep, or social time with friends. It's hard work and a lot of time that goes into creating something from scratch! Another tip I have is to find a designated space to work in that keeps them on-task. It could be a desk at home away from the bedroom or a cafe or hotel lobby with reliable wifi. Finally, I suggest knowing your limits when it comes to your daily mental capacity. If you find yourself sitting at your laptop for multiple hours and not accomplishing anything because you are depleted, allow yourself actual time to chill out and unwind. When you return to the task, you'll hopefully feel much more rejuvenated and motivated.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://grotto.squarespace.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austaclausen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austaclausen/
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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