Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Tigchelaar, managing partner of Solid Coffee Roasters, located in Artesia, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a coffee roasting company with two retail coffee shop locations in the southeast suburbs of Los Angeles. Our customers are awesome, and so are our employees! Our customers are students, parents, creatives, and adventurers. Anyone that uses our coffee and spaces as a means to be a solid person. #brewsolidbesolid
Tell us about yourself
I got into the coffee business about five years ago. I came from a more corporate environment and really wanted to pursue something different where I could really connect with employees and customers on a deeper level. I also really enjoy the challenge of growing a company! I am motivated by challenges, growth, and our employees! Every day I remind myself that I work for them; they don't work for me. I love going to our spaces and seeing something that we are all collectively working towards.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Because it's fresh in mind still - probably keeping the business alive and thriving through this pandemic. It has been more stressful and challenging than I could have ever imagined.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's managing my expectations and work/life balance. As a business owner, it's a little harder to not "take work home with you" and really be able to turn it on/off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Really think about and study who your customer is and if they will buy whatever you are selling.
- Do not be idealistic.
- Fulfill a demand that is already there.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Failure is not something we talk about enough. Be grateful for your failures and learn from them. It's okay to fail; everyone fails. It's how you respond to that failure that matters the most.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://solidcoffeeroasters.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solidcoffee/
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.