Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eugene Buchko, Founder of Atlanta Coffee Shops, LLC., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Atlanta Coffee Shops is a website, blog, publishing platform, and media organization in the greater Atlanta area. It is more a side project rather than a business, as the site does not generate any meaningful revenue (there are no ads on the website). All the local and independent coffee shops profiled on the website (120+ and counting) were done at no cost to the coffee shop. If there are customers of Atlanta Coffee Shops (ACS), it would be coffee shop owners or representatives who may opt to use the "Jobs" section of the website to post a job ad for a barista, cafe manager, etc. Additionally, ACS is working on the Sponsorship model in 2023, with Sponsors in the coffee space or related industries being able to sponsor ACS for a set period of time (a week, two weeks, or three weeks).
Tell us about yourself
I started Atlanta Coffee Shops in 2018 as I was working remotely, and coffee shops are amenable to that kind of atmosphere. My primary motivation is intrinsic — I want to be able to profile coffee shops in a thoughtful way, connecting many of my interests to published pieces on the web. I am continuing this project (with the hope of making it a true business) because I love this work and being able to connect with a dedicated group of coffee shop explorers in Atlanta and beyond.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is deciding to start the newsletter two years ago and growing it organically. So far, there are nearly 2,000 subscribers to the ACS newsletter, which I try to send out about once a month. I think the direct connection with one's readership (if one is in the media/content business) is vital.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is the consistent cash flow — the membership model which I attempted did not scale, and the website does not bring in subscription revenue. Atlanta Coffee Shops is exploring the "Substack" model, where the writing is supported by readers through an annual subscription.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
From my observation, I think the following are important elements:
- Find an interesting product or idea and iterate it until you find a product market fit.
- Don't be afraid to change course or direction if things aren't working out.
- Seek feedback from your customers/readers for things that are going well and things that could be improved.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.atlantacoffeeshops.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaCoffeeShops/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantacoffeeshops/
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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