Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dhanushka Ekanayake, Co-Founder of Wild House Coffee, located in Ridgewood, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Wild House Coffee, located in Queens, New York, is a specialty coffee company focused on three values: caffeinate, connect, and conserve. The company sources its high-quality beans from emerging Asian markets and prioritizes organic and fair trade practices. Customers, who value quality, relationships, family, and social impact, are treated to a wild adventure through coffee and the opportunity to connect with the eastern world and the west. Wild House Coffee supports Asian farmers and the environment by planting a tree with every bag sold and using biodegradable packaging. Every purchase supports something bigger, making a positive impact on the world. Join the mission to take back territory and let the lion roar with Wild House Coffee.
Tell us about yourself
I am an Immigrant from Sri Lanka who came to the United States about 8 years ago. Ever since I was very young, maybe about 5, I have wanted to own a company. I would build things out of shoe boxes as if it was my own little empire. I have always been creative and innovative. I had blueprints made in my early 20s for a hotel in Sri Lanka. Everything was about to go through, and then boom; investments fell through. I was still determined and hadn't given up hope. I then came to the United States, where I received my private pilot's license, and doors opened for me to come to New York City. There I was, an immigrant from Sri Lanka, with only $400 left to my name. I didn't even have an official place to stay for a few weeks. Despite that, I got a job at Dunkin Donuts and then moved into the hospitality industry. From there, I met my wife, Emily, who was just as determined to be an entrepreneur, if not more. Then, the divine moment came when I met Mike Signorelli, my wife's pastor & mentor. Through a spontaneous conversation, Mike and I merged our visions of starting a beverage company into one. We both love adventure and are wild at heart. We wanted to bring quality coffee into the home, and that's where Wild House Coffee was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting this business off the ground within 6 months of its conception has been my biggest accomplishment. I couldn't have done it without the strength, wisdom, and favor from the Lord, Amaris from Joe Coffee company, and of course, the encouragement from my wife Emily and guidance from my mentor Mike.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Taking risks is the hardest part of owning a business. It is not easy to take risks with your time or money, but it is necessary for success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you have a business idea, don't wait for everything to be on the lineup; just start. You have an idea in your spirit that carries a unique solution to a problem, just implement it; there is only one of you who exists here on earth. Slow success builds character; fast success builds ego (my mentor Mike Signorelli taught me this). So take it slow, but don't stop.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wildhousecoffee.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhanuka1987/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhan-ekanayake-02b88370/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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