Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Neena Brostowski, owner of Brew Beans, located in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brew Beans is more than a coffee shop. We are a coffee shop dedicated to creating experiences with coffee. Our goal is to uplift our customers as soon as they come in. We offer a bright and cheery atmosphere with natural elements to make you feel right at ease. Our customers are offered delicious quality food and beverages. We offer a range of coffee and tea beverages and do all of our baking in-house (with many vegan options). Our baristas are friendly and knowledgeable and are ready to serve you with caffeine and kindness.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Neena Brostowski. I did not know that I wanted to work in this industry my whole life. I was actually in my second year of university, majoring in a science degree, when I realized that was not my passion. After leaving everything, I had thought I wanted, I set out on a path that inspired me, and I wanted to pursue a career I was passionate about. I had always loved coffee; in fact, I had started drinking it at two years old, believe it or not. I grew up surrounded by Dutch/European relatives who thrived off of coffee and got my first taste at a very young age. I knew this was something I was passionate about and decided to share my love of coffee with the world and decided that I would open a coffee shop! My goal every day is to put my heart into everything I do. I believe that good things come to those who are passionate and work hard, and I try to create the best experience possible for every customer.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We opened our doors on November 4th, 2019, and we were instantly slammed with the global pandemic of the coronavirus. It has not been without MANY struggles and hardships. Still, I am glad to have made it through 3 lockdowns, and we successfully celebrated our second anniversary of business this past November (2021). I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is not making it to that point but still trying to find the light and positivity during the toughest of times. Even in ongoing uncertain times, I believe that if I put my faith in my business and my customers, we can make it through. We would not be where we are today without the love and support of our customers and the community surrounding this business that has been created over the years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is having to "wing it." You really have no idea what is going to come your way, and you have to choose to overcome it regardless of what is happening. When people ask me, "How did you make it through the first period of COVID?" To be honest...THAT is a GREAT question, haha! I have no idea! All I do is take one day at a time and continue to open our doors and serve our customers the very best that we can, regardless of the struggles we may face. Many business owners have to make decisions, and they have no idea whether it is going to be the correct move or not. There is so much uncertainty and instability when it comes to being a business owner that it can be very overwhelming and disheartening at times. We as business owners just have to stick to our gut and follow our heart when making decisions and hope that our customers and community are seeing the effort that we put in every single day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today...no amount of research or schooling with truly prepare you for what you are going to face. You need to learn to let go. Things will most definitely not always go your way. You need to learn to go with the flow and face obstacles with a positive mindset. If you approach an obstacle with negativity, it is only going to seem that much more daunting. You will quickly learn how fast you can burn out.
When I first opened, I was working from 6 am-midnight daily, and I learned that this was not sustainable for me. Learn your healthy boundaries; it is okay to take a moment of yourself. Try to find someone you can lean on. When you have those really difficult days where everything is just so overwhelming, it is important to find someone who you can vent to, and they can just be there for you. I myself like to hold onto things, and things can pile up quickly. Having that person to vent to and listen to you will definitely take a bit of the load off of being a business owner.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stick to your vision and your values. I have quickly learned that you cannot please everyone. There is always going to be someone with an opinion. People will tell you what you should be doing, how you should run your business but guess what...at the end of the day, it's not their business, it's yours. Stay true to yourself. If you stick to your values as a business owner, your customers WILL notice. It may take a long time, years even, but you will gain a loyal following that way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.brewbeanscoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brewbeanscoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewbeanscoffee/
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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