Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Geoffrey Lau, founder of Rohi Coffee, located in Markham, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We specialize in helping people brew better coffee at home! We sell specialty-grade coffee and coffee gear that helps people become baristas at home. We believe that coffee should be savoured, and it should be an experience!
Tell us about yourself
Me and my wife have always loved coffee and have been drinking Starbucks for the longest time. Then we got into Nespresso and enjoyed making coffee at home. It was not until on a cruise to Honduras that we first encountered specialty coffee and coffee directly from a farm. I got hooked immediately and looked into the world of specialty coffee and brewing at home. I wanted to share my experience and the world of specialty coffee with my friends and family. This has grown into a side business and hopefully one day a full-time one.
We are now working towards opening up a cafe. A place where customers can connect comfortably with their friends or us connecting with our customers, over a great cup of coffee, of course. This has been our dream, but it was pushed aside as we were busy with the kids, work, and also the pandemic. Hopefully, we can realize this dream within five years.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say the biggest accomplishment would be getting great feedback from our customers regarding our services or products. I currently only sell products that I have used and loved. So when customers have questions, I can confidently share my honest opinion and recommendations.
I know how sometimes it can be frustrating as a consumer to be ignored, so I pride myself in providing great customer service to be prompt and being honest. It's been great to hear from customers providing great feedback.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The first few months were the most difficult, as I was very excited to get started, but there was little to no business even though I had been spending money on doing ads and promotions. I was getting frustrated and having self-doubts, even to the point of calling it quits. It was good then to have my wife and kids behind and supporting me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I wouldn't say I am in the position to offer tips, but from my experience, having a clear business plan and vision would be very important so that you can stay true don't lose yourself in the latest fad.
With so much resources readily available nowadays, you can easily read up or search for other successful people in your field. Read about their experiences, lessons learned, and failures.
Lastly, don't start a business without any passion. A very great and successful friend once shared with me that there would be long and frustrating nights. You will get burned out, and without passion, it will be easy just to call it quits.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rohicoffee.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rohicoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohi_coffee/
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.