Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hrag Kalebjian, Co-Owner of Henry's House Of Coffee, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a third-generation coffee roasting company. We specialize in dark roasts that are super smooth and never bitter! Our customers LOVE "coffee that tastes like coffee" and want something that is deep, dark, and delicious.
Tell us about yourself
When I was thirteen, my father would drag me out of bed on Saturdays to help him with the store. I hated it! I wanted to watch Scooby Doo. I remember scooping pounds of coffee and packing them in clear colored bags for our wholesale accounts.
I was never interested in the business, which is why I ended up working in corporate finance for almost ten years. My last stint was at AAA, where I was a manager of Sales Operations. I loved my job, but there was something missing. I realized there is something very special about a tradition that is passed down from one generation to another, so I left and made the switch in July 2013.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Pivoting the business from a brick-and-mortar to an online store was big for us. Back in 2015, everyone was starting to use their phones and computers to order online. I thought it would be a great idea to provide freshly roasted coffee to everyone in the US.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Turning off your brain. When you run your own business, it's like having a separate family, and it's very hard to stop thinking about it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Come up with a 15-second story that you would tell a stranger about your business.
- Focus on three things a year, and don't get distracted with anything else.
- If you find that it's hard to run your business, you're not alone. But if you love what you do, stick with it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://henryshouseofcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenrysHouseOfCoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryshouseofcoffee/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.