Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Momiji Kishi and Jimson Bienenstock, co-owners of Hot Black Coffee, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

A cafe, Our customers are people who love good tasty coffee, excellent baked goods, and great service and atmosphere.

Tell us about yourself

I fell in love with the great coffee culture in Australia. I wanted to introduce the same kind of quality coffee to North American people, so I searched places where I could serve equal quality coffee and also learn more about coffee, then got into specialty coffee and barista competition.

My motivation are from smiles and feedbacks (mostly positive, but learn the most from the occasional negative) from the customers, and also all effort and pride of people who are involved in the process of producing high-quality coffee beans and coffee (and tea) beverages (grower, processor, exporter/importer, roaster, and barista)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Still standing to be able to serve customers all after (and still happening) COVID chaos.

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

Dealing with government stuff (which my business partner, Jimson, always takes good care of). I can't think of anything operational comparable to that.

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

  1. Love what you do.
  2. Have a solid motivation for everyday operation.
  3. Stay positive; a solution is always there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Start drinking good quality clean coffee, wine, and food to purify your soul.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hotblack-coffee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotblack_coffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotblack_coffee

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.