Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simon Lieberum, Founder of NO HARM DONE, located in Singapore.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an awesome sexy coffee company, of course. Coffee company with our feet firmly planted in Singapore, transforming the region's famously delicious beverages into convenient little Nespresso Compatible planet-friendly capsules for you to enjoy at home (or work…).
We dub this: Kopitiam at Home! Who do we serve? We're here for the KeepCup generation, the time-poor go-getter yearning for plug-and-play solutions to greenify their daily routine. We're here for the hungry who da bao their lunch in a Tupperware, the visionaries of a secure future for the next generation. We're here for the aspirational paper bag enthusiast who wants a modern lifestyle built on worthwhile values.
Tell us about yourself
I came to Singapore 10 years ago and fell in love with the kopi culture. I was amazed at how a seemingly simple beverage was such an integral part of the fabric of Singapore, bringing together people from all walks of life. You could sit for hours watching the uncles and aunties pouring the dark liquid from pot to pot, weaving in a tale or two in the process! This integral part of Singapore culture seemed quickly forgotten when you stepped away from the streets. You'd see the same Nespresso machines and dulled coffees imported from the West in offices, hotels, and homes. The supermarkets were stacked with them, billboards with George Clooney asking 'what else?' on every corner - essentially multinational conglomerates pushing Western coffees, in unsustainable plastic or aluminum capsules, into Asia-Pacific.
So I did indeed wonder 'what else' - I started asking around friends and family, workplaces, events, hotels and homes, and everywhere I got the same answer: we want Kopi. Asia has great coffees and a rich, unique culture of beverages that simply weren't available in a convenient format for the home or workspace. Until now. We are starting an Asian capsule revolution. Clooney, we're coming for you.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It still gets me incredibly excited that my ideas can turn into something that helps our team to provide income for their families.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You can't really grow your business unless you grow as a person and face your fears and shortcomings. It's all a work in progress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- No amount of planning will ever prep you. Just start.
- Let the market teach you how to improve your products or services. Things change, and that's ok.
- Find mentors that have what you want.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://noharmdone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOHARMDONECO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noharmdone_sg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-harm-done-pte-ltd/
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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