Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gregory Gately, Owner of Root Awakening Kava Bar, located in Milford, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
New England's first and only kava bar, my customers range from young adults to well-accomplished professionals in their fields. It's ideal for people who don't drink alcohol but want a place to hang out as adults and socialize.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a self-motivated person, the youngest of 7 children who learned from a 1st generation Filipino mother how to work hard and be grateful for the opportunities life grants you. I worked in corporate sales for ten years. My industry was hit hard by the coronavirus, so I wanted to break away from the cycle of the 9-5 corporate life. I had a low quality of work and personal life balance. When I lost my brother to alcohol in 2018, this started me to view life differently. I find the pandemic a great opportunity to go back to school and get my MBA while opening a new business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Many, from the beginning to the present time, have been full of milestones accomplished. Overcoming political challenges and educating public officials to obtain my health license after being denied was first. Now that I'm open, introducing a brand new product/concept to a region that has never seen a kava bar is an amazing feeling and accomplishment. It is very rewarding when customers thank me for bringing kava to this region. Many of my customers tell me daily if it wasn't for my opening, they would relapse into drinking alcohol again. This is very fulfilling.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Marketing my product and creating public awareness about a product that has never been heard of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up. When you hear no, find a way to turn it into a yes.
- Don't look at your failures like losses but rather as gains. The experience of failing at something is a beautiful opportunity to gain valuable experience in life and your business. This is where real growth begins.
- Have a purpose that is deeper than running a profitable business. Have a distinct "why" that is exclusive to you and nobody else. For me, it was helping people struggling with alcohol; this is doing justice to my brother who passed away. This "why" is near and dear to me and fuels my efforts, even when times are hard.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rootawakeningkava.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069738904544
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootawakeningkava/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-gately-81486a11a/
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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