Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tatum Drewes, owner of Khepri Cafe, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Khepri Cafe is a conscious coffee house located in Albany Park, Chicago, offering a large, made-to-order menu, retail that is a collection of local Chicago businesses, and a heavy display of CBD products. We offer CBD coffee as an addition to many other food and beverage items. We opened with the intention Khepri Cafe being a social and event community space, opening our door in February 2020, we had to navigate the business a little differently with COVID but we are soon to release our events page!
Tell us about yourself
Khepri Cafe is my second company. My first is in the CBD business and Khepri Cafe was to open to educate and share with the community all things CBD. I live in the neighborhood. I wanted to be part of the neighborhood, there was an absence of healthy food options, cozy places to work and connect or grab a quick coffee on the go. So I took the leap and opened Khepri Cafe.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Oh, there are so many! We need to compliment ourselves daily and see the small steps always. My biggest accomplishment is surviving the pandemic and keeping our doors open. It was a VERY TOUGH RIDE.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance, but is key. I have two kids under two and three businesses. Finding time for myself, my family, pleasure, and work is hard. You need to find a great core staff and trust them. Give out responsibilities to others and let them thrive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Believe in yourself, even when things are going wrong or not as planned.
2. Surround yourself with people that believe in you, support you, cheer you on and talk about things with them.
3. Find mentors or ask questions to everyone in your circle. Family, friends, colleagues, ask questions about anything and everything to help build blocks and expand your mind in business.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Take the leap. If you fail, that's okay.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/khepricafe/
https://www.facebook.com/khepricafe
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.
