Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Bunnett, Co-Owner of Kunjani LLC., located in Naples, FL, USA.

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

We are a mother-daughter team from Zimbabwe with a shared passion for entrepreneurship and helping people. Our journey began in 2016 when we opened the doors to our coffee shop, but our goal has always been to be more than that. From serving a handcrafted latte, selling fair trade African items in our gallery, and supporting a local charity each month, to providing clean water to villages in Africa, we have always placed our focus on the people we interact with in every aspect of our business. We serve the local Naples community and have created a place that our regular customers call their home away from home.

Tell us about yourself

Kunjani was born in 2016 when my mother and I decided that we wanted to open a coffee shop together. But, we wanted it to be more than just a coffee shop; we wanted to provide our community with specialty coffee while making a positive impact along the way. Serving the local community as well as being able to help different artisans and vendors in Africa is our motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We were voted the best coffee shop in Naples the year that we opened, but honestly, apart from awards or accolades, I feel most accomplished as a business owner when we are able to positively impact a customer's day. Seeing someone's face light up when their name or drink is remembered is so special and important. We strive to make everyone who steps through our doors feel welcome and appreciated, just as if they had come for a cup of coffee in our own home.

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

The biggest challenge with being a business owner is that the work is never truly done. It's both a blessing and a curse because there is always something you can improve on or do better. Just because the store is physically closed does not mean that the work is over. It can be hard to switch off from work sometimes.

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

  1. Make sure to employ the right people for your business - this would be my main tip, and I feel as though this can definitely make or break your business.
  2. Be clear on your mission and business strategy.
  3. Never become complacent or comfortable; always aim to grow and evolve as the world changes around you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Not only do we have a coffee shop where customers can physically come and enjoy our coffee, but we also sell our beans online. Customers can easily purchase any of our beans directly from the website. We source our coffee from trusted import partners to ensure that it meets our sustainability, transparency, and high-quality standards. We are committed to paying our producer partners above fair trade prices. We also support them directly by donating an additional $0.20 for every pound of coffee roasted.

Customers can also sign up for a subscription and get freshly roasted coffee delivered on a personalized schedule. Bonus - save 15% off all of our coffee when you subscribe and FREE shipping on subscriptions over $35.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kunjaninaples.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kunjaninaples
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kunjaninaples/

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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