Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rashida Ronaque, CEO and Co-Founder of Honest Mocha, located in Bothell, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are wholesalers and resellers of specialty coffee from Yemen. Our coffees are graded AA+ (specialty) and A+ (premium). We provide a wide range of products to choose from - at very competitive prices to roasters/cafés and coffee enthusiasts. We offer both whole roasted beans as well as green coffee beans.
Tell us about yourself
What got us started was the desire to be independent and to have a positive impact on the lives of others with the business we do. We aspire to bring our customers Yemen coffee from local farmers in Yemen, upholding fairness and transparency. Not only does this help benefit the farmers economically, but it also brings socio-economic reforms to the impoverished country by eradicating “qat” plantations (a narcotic plant). Our policy of purchasing only dried coffee cherries guarantees that Mocha Coffee consists of 100% authentic Yemeni coffee.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment currently is bringing these amazing Yemen coffees to your table here in America. This is truly farm-to-table. Our connections with the co-op and the relationship we have with them to bring about positive changes through reviving the coffee culture back in Yemen have been the biggest hurdle as well as the biggest accomplishment for all of us as a team.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Continuing to move forward even when faced with challenges. With every startup, there are ups and downs, and at every misstep, there is an opportunity to learn and get better.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a goal in mind – what do you want to achieve in 5 years?
- Lay out a plan to reach the goal.
- Learn from your mistakes and be persistent.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We support all the farmers in our co-op by giving back a fair value to them for the coffee beans. Through our co-op, we give back 88% cost of the coffee to the farmers in the Haraaz region, thus bringing about financial independence and enough resources to keep growing their coffee plantations.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://honestmocha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honestmocha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honestmocha/
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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