Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with AJ Son, owner of Narrow Espresso, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.

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

Cafe, specializing in espresso-based drinks. Our customers are local residents, tourists, university students, visitors to nearby medical/therapeutic services. Our customer pool covers a wide demographics.

Tell us about yourself

I am the owner of Narrow Espresso. I and my wife established the business in 2013. I got myself into the industry in 2001, when Lavazza, the Italian coffee company, launched in South Korea. I was 19, a freshman at the university, looking for a part-time job. I got hired as a barista trainee, fell in love with the job, and have been in this business since then. I love making espresso and espresso-based drinks because I enjoy them myself and I like seeing my customers enjoying them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, one of my biggest accomplishments would be meeting many good people: Customers, former and current employees, etc. I feel I am a part of a great community.

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

Staff. Good people come and go. Maintaining the team is the hardest thing, I find.

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

  1. One should know the business.
  2. Physical and mental strengths - staying healthy.
  3. One should be able to enjoy the business, both in good times and in hard times.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The pandemic’s been going on for a while. I am grateful for our customers who have been supporting the business, helping us stay positive, and encouraging us to keep our spirits high. I hope everyone does the same with their favourite local businesses.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.narrowespresso.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narrowespresso/

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.