Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tou Yang, owner of Tealicious Boba, located in Little Canada, MN.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small, locally-owned business. We serve bubble tea beverages, shakes, and smoothies. I would say that anyone can open up a cafe and sell beverages, so I think one of our biggest success is in our anesthetics and decor. Selfies are all the rage now, and we offer opportunities for anyone to shine on Facebook or Instagram.
Tell us about yourself
I was laid off during the COVID pandemic and decided that I didn't want to go back and work for anyone. My wife and I decided that we wanted to open up a cafe because there's something calm about being in one. We wanted to offer a sense of relaxation and calmness while you get to sip on a refreshing bubble tea.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We started from the ground up. Every detail was researched, from legal paperwork to working with contractors and so on. We've spent countless hours, days, and months working on our recipes and menu. So there is a huge sense of earning what we've put in and seen it grow to what it is now.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The commitment to the long hours and days. We are currently open seven days a week, so that it can be very exhausting at times. Being a new business also means that your budget is small, so that means you'll have to put in more of the work. You have to be dedicated so if you have to work 16 hour days seven days a week, then so be it, as long as it's for the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Dedication. You have to want this! Be ready to dedicate most of your days to the business because if you don't, no one else will.
2. Commitment. You have to commit to this like you would your children, parents, and pets! If you don't commit and take care of it, it will not thrive.
3. Work. You have to put in the hours. Think of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, people say they're lucky, but in reality, they work hard to be where they're at.
Anything else you'd like to share?
If owning your own business is your goal, be dedicated and committed and never stop until you get there. A lot of people quit halfway, but you'll have to keep pushing if you want it.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/tealiciousbobamn/
https://www.facebook.com/TealiciousBobaMN/
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.
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