All You Need Is Coffee - Mocha Motion
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaila Charles, owner of Mocha Motion, located in Anchorage, AK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a well-established drive-thru coffee shop in the heart of Anchorage. Our customer base is very diverse! We have had some of our customers come to us since 2006 when we started! Seeing new faces every day as well.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Kaila Charles. I personally worked as a barista for Mocha Motion for 11 years before I took the plunge into business ownership in 2021. Born and raised in Alaska, and it will forever hold my heart. I walked into this business fresh out of high school with zero previous knowledge about coffee. It did not take long before it consumed me in all the good ways! I am constantly brainstorming new products, new ideas, and ways to make us stand out in a community with an overflowing amount of us in the same line of work. I want to make our name stand out and what we, as a whole, have to offer the people of Anchorage. Ways to keep all types of customers coming back for more. We ask what the people want, and we listen. I put in the time and the work. Late nights, after hours... you name it. Coffee is something that can be learned, but you can't be your best barista self without putting your heart into it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, I think my biggest accomplishment is doing what I can always to keep my customers happy and my employees. My business would be nothing without them & I am so thankful for the amazing group of girls I have as the face of this shop. Another personal accomplishment would be breaking the cycle. I do not come from the most successful family background. So not only owning a business but being successful too- that is my biggest accomplishment yet!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardships- something everyone seems to forget about when they think of owning a business- are the back-end of things. It's not always rainbows and butterflies, and I wish people would take this into consideration when it comes to owning a coffee shop. Sure, it seems fun! Seems like an easy way to make money and enjoy yourself as a business owner. But it's not always so simple. Sometimes you have to say "no" (that's the hardest for me). I've learned you can't make everyone happy, and at of the day, you always have to put your business first no matter what hard decisions you are faced with. Different alike businesses will challenge you. Sometimes in good ways, and sometimes not. Never be bitter; just try to be your best! Take what you learn from those experiences & better not only your business- but yourself too. Don't be scared to try new things. That's the freedom that comes with business-owning! Trial and error.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be Present. I know many people who do not work the face of their businesses & their business lack because it is hard to understand which criteria you are not meeting if you cannot personally be there to see it.
- Be smart with your profits. Everyone sees monthly gross incomes but forget about the monthly bills that come with it.
- Be a friend, but be a boss first. It is hard to draw a line between business relationships and personal relationships when you spend every day with your co-workers. Business first.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Times are hard when it comes to small businesses. I have seen so many of our fellow businesses suffer from chain businesses. Support your friends your families. Support local, shop small!
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063732335634
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mocha.motion/
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.
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