Bold and Warm - Madras Kaapi
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shilpa Kotamarthi, founder of Madras Kaapi, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Madras Kaapi is a south Indian coffee house that sources the finest south Indian beans from the hills of India and roasts them locally in Canada. Our coffee has chicory, which adds a very distinct flavor that adds a nutty, woody taste.
Our customers are very diverse - every coffee lover is curious about Madras Kaapi. We can safely say that " everybody loves Madras Kaapi!"
Tell us about yourself
My partner and I grew up in South India, and when we looked for a cup of south Indian coffee, we couldn't find it. This led to us starting our brand five years ago and organically growing the company. Circa 2021, I quit my job in branding and marketing to show my own brand all the love & it really paid off. I wake up excited every day to do something fun and different with Madras Kaapi.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment was opening our brick-and-mortar store and getting featured in almost every news publication in Toronto! It was very humbling yet very exciting!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is dealing with factors that are out of our control - weather/lockdowns that affect business daily.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's not easy, but it's totally worth it!
- Keep pushing.
- Don't expect instant results. Things take time.
- Have fun along the way. It's definitely a long journey to open your own business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Other than having amazing coffee at our cafe, we also offer classes / offer our space for events and popups. If you are a small business and want to host an event - hit us up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.madraskaapi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madraskaapi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madraskaapi/
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.