Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Salazar, co-owner of Enroute Coffee and Tea House, located in Goodyear, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a full espresso bar that specializes in using unique and premium ingredients for a new and exciting drink experience. We offer a wide variety of tea offerings like our strawberry peach black tea, white peach, and pomegranate citrus green tea, just to name a few. One of our more popular drink choices is our Lotus, which is a plant-based energy drink made from clean ingredients that won't leave you with a caffeine crash. Here at Enroute, we pride ourselves on our local love. We do our best to support, source, and hire locally for all our operations. When you stop in at Enroute, you aren't just supporting us, but you are supporting an entire network of other small business owners, just trying to make their dream come to life.
Tell us about yourself
In the profile picture, I am on the left, Brittany Salazar, and on the right is my best friend/ business partner Deni Banach. I have always worked in the restaurant industry, but when I first met Deni, she was the one that really opened my eyes to the world of small businesses and coffee shops. At the same time, Deni is from Washington, which is home to many different local, family-owned coffee shops. I was born and raised in Arizona, and it was still a concept that is continually growing and gaining momentum.
What motivates me is to see our growth over the last three years. What has been able to accomplish besides that, my husband and son also are big motivates for me every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our employees have to be, in my opinion, one of our biggest accomplishments. The fact that they believe in us, trust us and support our brand, not just at work, just speaks volumes. They have, if not more, the same passion we do for our business. Also humbly, all of our awards! Especially for the best coffee shop for three years in a row and all the recognition, we receive from our local news outlets.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest lessons and something that we still fret over is this right or wrong way. You have to figure that out on your own and stick to it. No one can tell you how much to price something. No one can tell you how to respond to people; no one can tell you what hours to have or if the path you chose is right. You just have to do what's right for you and your business as you see it and trust that you made the right choice. And if it was wrong, learn from it, and how can we make sure we do better next time?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be a sponge. Learn from everyone and anyone; you can always find something to take away. Even if it's something, you know you won't do for your own business.
- We all don't know what we are doing; we just act like it!
- Ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask for help or tips.
- Don't let fear be the reason you don't take a chance; we were/are all afraid to take a leap.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a business owner- my business partner and I are always learning. Don't stop learning, trying, stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth only happens when we get uncomfortable. Last but not least, have a plan B, C, D, E., and F; always be prepared, and how to know how you'll pivot if necessary.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://enroutecoffeeaz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enroutecoffeeandtea/
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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