Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gordon Melling, Founder of Naked Roaster Coffee, located in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK.

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

We are a coffee roaster based in Glasgow, but we ship to the whole of the UK. Our customers are wholesalers and home users (home baristas).

Tell us about yourself

I first started the business when I was on furlough. I'm an airline pilot who was in fear of losing my job and needed to find something to support my family. My motivation comes first and foremost from my family, and it is wonderful to see the business grow and flourish. That keeps me motivated.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is building the coffee roastery from scratch myself, without anyone's help.

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

The hardest part at the moment is dealing with rising prices in all aspects of the business and trying not to pass them on to the customer.

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

  1. You have to have passion for the business, or it won't succeed.
  2. Make sure your business suits your lifestyle, or it won't succeed.
  3. Make sure you understand pricing and gross profit before setting your prices.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nakedroaster.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NakedRoaster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedroastercoffee/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-melling-5b012a49/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/naked-roaster-coffee/


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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