Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Stephens, owner of Hot-Chick-A-Latte, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

Hot-Chick-A-Latte is a family-owned bikini barista coffee shop located in the heart of Denver. Our customer base ranges from local singles, couples, families, and friend groups! We are definitely a must-stop tourist spot when visiting Denver as well. Our baristas are fun flirty and whip up the most delicious, unique drinks made with fair trade and organic coffee beans.

Tell us about yourself

I started working at Hot-Chick-A-Latte when I turned 18 under the previous owner. I fell in love with coffee previously but working at Hotchick really made it a career goal of mine. I wanted nothing more than to start my own coffee shop one day. After having my first daughter, I slowly left Hotchick and started moving into a financial institution career. During that journey, I found out that Hotchick would be closing its doors for good. This news broke my heart, and I ended up trying to soothe my heartache with a pint of ice cream. In that frozen dessert aisle, my life changed forever. I ran into the old owner of Hotchick. He made the statement that I should buy Hotchick, and with the help and encouragement from my husband, grandfather, and stepdad, I made the strides towards that dream!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be surviving the pandemic. Most small businesses don't survive the first three years of business as it is, add a global pandemic to that equation, and success became almost impossible. We watched so many companies close their doors, and it was terrifying. And though many times it felt like we were close to the end, we worked our butts off to keep the ball rolling, and even though we haven't made it fully through the pandemic surviving this far had been such a huge accomplishment. I'm so beyond proud of it.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is staying positive and staying true to yourself and your goals regardless of what gets thrown your way.

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

  1. Don't give up. Even if you don't see a solution right away, there is always a way. Just keep pushing, and don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources available!
  2. Stay true to yourself; don't let negativity, profit, or losses turn you into someone you don't recognize.
  3. Stay passionate. Once you lose your passion, you lose everything

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When I first started Hotchick I ran into so many roadblocks. We had to push our opening date out so the building could undergo construction to repair the roof before the city allowed us to open. I underwent severe surgery a few days before opening. I worked while my surgical scars were still healing soon after we were hit with the news of the pandemic. There are so many success stories and how-to books, but very few talk about the raw reality and the hardships you may face. I just want to share my full story. I want people to know how hard it was to get where we are, so when they start on their journey, they don't let the roadblocks stop them because anything is possible. It's such a good feeling to be able to step back and look at your success and think about everything you've overcome to get there.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hotchickalatte.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotchickalattedenver/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotchickalattecoffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chick_latte

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.