Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacy McFall, CEO of Madison Perk Coffee Bar, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-own Madison Perk Coffee Bar, which is a community coffee shop & bar in the Madison Park neighborhood of Charlotte, NC, which offers coffee, ice cream, cocktails, live music, and more!
Tell us about yourself
I started Madison Perk along with my husband, Patrick, because we wanted to dive into something creative and challenging, and we saw a need for a community space in the neighborhood. Our motivation comes from our customers and our own personal drive to stay true to our vision which was to keep it simple and quality while spreading joy within the community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We believe we have created a place where everyone feels comfortable to come as they are - whether it's meeting up with friends, working remotely, enjoying a latte (or mimosa) while their kids are occupied in our toy corner, listening to live music, grabbing a snack, relaxing with one of our signature coffee cocktails, etc. We are really proud of the fact that we have something for everyone!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts for me personally is knowing when to push an idea/product/event because we believe in it versus knowing when to let it go because it's not effective for the business or not working for some other reason. It involves a balance of intuition and passion, along with data analysis and critical thinking, which is a tricky line to walk.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be extremely clear on your "why." I actually recommend posting it somewhere you can see every day so you have it to use as inspiration during challenging times. We had post-its all over our kitchen cupboards during our build-out phase with inspirational quotes and reminders of our "why."
- Surround yourself with other business owners and others who are in the field you want to be in. Most successful entrepreneurs want to help others.
- On the flip side, do not take advice from those who have never built a business or been in a similar position. Especially if it's a high-stakes decision involving money or the direction you want your business to go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://themadperk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themadperk
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/themadperk/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/stacyqmcfall/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyqmcfall/
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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