Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Boone, owner of Serenitea, Inc., located in Oak Park, IL, USA.

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

Tea cafe that specializes in Afternoon Tea, Scones, Elevenses, tea, and tea-related experiences. Our customers are very diverse and anyone who would like to escape every day through a tea experience. We are not formal but are true tea enthusiasts, and we work on new and interesting ways to experience tea.

Tell us about yourself

Initially, the tea café was for my daughter, and I worked in a totally unrelated industry. My daughter concentrated on her family, and I took over. I am motivated by the joy that a cup of tea and a smile can bring to my customers. This is a place people come to destress and relax.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to stay open during the pandemic with all the supply-demand issues, money issues, and lack of workforce. For my business, tea is totally the opposite of the pandemic. Tea is a social event the pandemic is not.

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

Realizing that you can do everything in your power to make your business successful such as good service, fresh products, and there are so many outside forces that determine your success, such as politics. The pandemic, economics. And solo really is difficult because it is just you, and you have to wear different hats constantly.

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

  1. Be ready to react and implement changes when adversity strikes.
  2. Become a part of your community.
  3. Tap into resources such as the talents of young people and retired people. There is a lot of talent in your community with people who love to be a part of sharing in their community. Money is not the only measure of success.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A big surprise for me is how the public is more patient with the big chains during the supply-demand crisis than with the small business. Maybe it is because we are more accessible for them to the complaint; however, if the major chains can not get cups or straws, how do you expect me to get them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.sereniteaoakpark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SereniteaOakPark/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sereniteaoakpark/

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.