Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natalie L., owner of Cafe and MI, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our little cat cafe is owned by a family of crazy cat lovers. We are inspired by the three things we love most, cats, coffee, and sweets. At our cafe, we offer cat cuddles, cookies and waffles made in-house, coffee, and other adult and kid-friendly drinks. When we were designing the business, we wanted to ensure our café has a down-to-earth and family-friendly feel.
Our main customers are animal/cat lovers, people who love cats but can't have them due to living conditions or allergies of their families or roommates, those who've had cats in their past or have recently lost an animal friend, and young families who want to experience the interactions with cats. A lot of them just want to relax while having a good snack and coffee at the cafe.
Tell us about yourself
We are just ordinary people who wanted to chase after our dreams. Aside from wanting to help as many cats as possible to find their forever homes, our goal is to provide an environment for people to destress, connect and spend quality time with family and friends.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have overcome a lot of challenges, especially during COVID, as business partners, and as a family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is to come up with a concept or inspiration that appeals to you and your customers and not deviate from that original inspiration along the way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be creative.
- Be patient.
- Be positive.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cafeandmi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafeandmi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafenmi/
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.