Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Russell Clark, owner of St. Louis Kolache, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At St Louis/American Kolache, we bake fresh the Texas variety of Kolaches. The best way to describe a Kolache is it's about the size of a dinner roll, and we stuff them inside with America's classic comfort food. You will find thirty different types of fresh hand-made kolache's every day stuffed with items like Sausage and Gravy, Bacon, Egg and Cheese, Apple Pie, Smores, Blueberry, Philly Cheesesteak, Meatball, Pizza plus Cinnamon Rolls and Fresh Brewed Coffee.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the restaurant business. My grandparents had a small seafood restaurant in Florida as a kid, and it's been my passion ever since. We've owned Pizzerias, Wine Bars, Catering companies, and now we've landed in the Bakery business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building this company into a franchise is definitely the biggest accomplishment. We've been building up to this for the last 20 plus years. Lots of success and mistakes along the way have hopefully given us the path to a successful business this time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is always lots of stress. These last two years with COVID have been a definite challenge. You have to be able to adapt to any challenge in business. When you are the boss, it all rests on your shoulders. Success or failure is a very thin line and can change very quickly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have to decide to take a swing. You will never hit a home run if you never get the bat off your shoulder.
- Find a mentor that will guide you. Find someone that can give you advice on the business you want to get into. Walking in blind to a business that you know very little about is a sure recipe for failure.
- Surround yourself with people who are more successful than you. Learn from them. Owning a business is a 24hr job.
- Don't get discouraged when you make mistakes. You can't learn anything without life's mistakes. Keep moving forward. Don't look back. That's not where you are going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://stlkolache.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StlKolache/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlkolache/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlkolache
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.