Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbara Safina, Co-Founder of GROU Coffee Cowork, located in Coral Gables, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
GROU Coffee + Cowork is a local experience. A coffee shop where everything is locally sourced and a coworking space with private offices to help local businesses grow. We are family owned and operated.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a driven, very motivated, and caring person, co-founder of GROU, mom of a one-year-old boy, and wife of an awesome businessman. But most importantly, a 30-year-old woman trying to support my community, local businesses, and entrepreneurs. I've always been a very active and creative person, a foodie, and a coffee lover.
At GROU, I've been able to channel all my passions and strengths, find local brands to support, create new drinks, meet new people, build an amazing support platform and directly impact the dreams of more than 80 entrepreneurs in Miami.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Support more than 60 local brands, more than 250 families, and more than 90 entrepreneurs. Our shop is the first fully locally-sourced business in the area, the first affogato bar, as well as one of the first to accept cryptocurrency payments.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Right now, the hardest thing is to balance what's important vs. what's urgent. Because of the nature of our business, the food industry requires so much attention to detail, are so many urgent tasks that come up during the day, that do not allow me to stick to a schedule and focus my attention on the most important (yet, not urgent) projects, such as growth strategies, networking/ partnerships, customer service, HR matters, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a WHY, a reason to start a business. A real motivation that will help you through hard times.
- Choose a good partner. I chose my husband and didn't regret it. Choose someone that balances your strengths and weaknesses, is an asset for the business, and is a source of support and inspiration.
- Don't do it alone. A team is key. Choose a team that wants to grow with you and loves your mission as much as you do. Find people that are smarter than you, more motivated, and more inspiring, people you want to learn from.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://groucommunity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groucommunity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groucommunity/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-safina-superlano-30a41663/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/groucommunity/
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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