Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coffee roasting but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff Shields, owner of The Spark Coffee, a community-focused coffee shop located in Speedway, Indiana.

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

The mission of The Spark Coffee is to create a space to build relationships and deepen our ties to our immediate community. We felt coming out of the pandemic where our relationships suffered in our isolation, that people were hungry for relationships.

Tell us about yourself

I love people, plain and simple. I want to hear their stories and connect with them and the greater community while serving them great coffee and pastries.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We invest in our communities, first responders, schools, non-profits, community events, and such. We also support local artists and musicians in our shop. I am the proudest when I hear people say things like, "This is exactly what our community needs."

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

We have a great team of staff, but not every hire buys into your vision and mission. We had to do a lot of coaching and had several team members leave. I am always disappointed when employees leave, but it is a natural part of remaining healthy as a business.

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

  1. Find a coach to walk you through the process. I asked another coffee shop owner and roaster to guide me. She has been a huge asset.
  2. Invite and recruit others to join you on the journey. We got our initial seed monies from a Go Fund Me project.
  3. You have to live out your brand 24/7.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun!!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thesparkcoffee.com/
Instagram: @thesparkcoffee
Facebook: @thesparkcoffee

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.