Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liberty Peralta, owner, and founder of Popoki + Tea, located in Honolulu, HI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Popoki + Tea is a cat cafe with a mission: to encourage a greater love for cats in our island community while finding abandoned outdoor cats their forever homes. While we welcome out-of-town visitors, most of our guests are locals. Some are interested in adopting a cat, while others aren't able to share their home with a pet and come in to spend time with our cats. By visiting, our guests are able to unwind and escape their day-to-day grind while helping our cats get their exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization in preparation for their forever homes.
Tell us about yourself
My first cat, Mara, introduced me to the cat world; she's my inspiration behind Popoki + Tea. Before Mara, I had only shared my life with my family's dogs, so everything I thought I knew about cats was turned sideways — thankfully! Because of this experience, I wanted to help dispel misunderstandings about cats by creating an inviting and comfortable space for both people and cats. We work with a nonprofit animal rescue whose volunteers rehabilitate abandoned and outdoor community cats. Helping curb O‘ahu's cat overpopulation issue and saving lives, one adoption at a time is what keeps us going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening at the onset of a pandemic and surviving through it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing your time and energy, especially if you're a solopreneur.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your homework. Build a solid team. And always be willing to learn!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning a business is a test of strength and character, and your business is an extension of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, it'll show in your business. In addition, to support from friends and family, find a business mentor and a personal therapist. Both will be crucial in those challenging moments in the journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.popokiandtea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popokiandtea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popokiandtea/
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.