Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dustin Barrett, owner of Therizo Café and Tap, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

Therizo is a specialty coffee shop and tap house in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver, CO. We serve some of the world's best craft beverages in a space designed to inspire community and connection.

Tell us about yourself

For the first five years of my career, I worked on creating partnerships and marketing strategies in technology and professional services. I developed a skill set that gave me confidence that I could turn my own dream into a reality. I became passionate about helping people create a better future for themselves through economic opportunity. The specialty coffee industry provides jobs and sustainable incomes locally as well as in many developing countries around the world. Inviting the local community to get involved in this movement is incredibly fulfilling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We recently celebrated our one-year anniversary in February 2022. Successfully opening and sustaining a new venture in the midst of pandemic conditions is the most challenging thing I've ever done and something I'm very proud of.

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

If you have a unique and valuable vision, almost by definition, you will be swimming against the current. You have to keep yourself focused and motivated to push against the status quo, inspire people to get on board and take risks to create something special. This process is exciting but also difficult and exhausting.

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

  1. If you have an alternative means of income, maintain that as long as possible while you are starting. It will take the pressure off, buy yourself more time to make things work, and just give you flexibility as you build.
  2. Think carefully about who you invite to get involved in your project. There are pros and cons to partnerships, and they are often a primary component of success or failure.
  3. Learn to ask the right questions. Nobody has it all figured out when they start. An ability to find the right people to talk to will enable you to solve just about any problem.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please reach out directly if you think I might be able to help you. I love supporting people that are trying to build something new.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.therizodenver.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therizodenver/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-barrett-74166254/

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.