Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roy Fong, owner of Imperial Tea Court, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Imperial Tea Court is a traditionally inspired Chinese tea house; we work directly with growers and import directly for our retail and wholesale business. Our Ferry Building store also serves traditional tea service and tea-inspired home cooking.

Tell us about yourself

I have been importing tea since the mid-1980s and started the Original Imperial Tea Court in 1993. The art of tea is not something one can ever finish learning; it motivates me every day to know that I know there are so many aspects of tea that I can get better at!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think being brave enough to be a small business owner is already an accomplishment. The fact that I've been in the tea business for close to 40 years is a huge accomplishment to myself; the fact that I've contributed to the tea "renaissance" in the Bay Area during the 1990s is also something I am rather proud of.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing relationships, not only with customers or suppliers but with your employees.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Look in the mirror before deciding it's someone else's fault. Be kind to yourself because you are allowed not to be perfect; if you feel that you're good at what you do, don't let other people get in your way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.imperialtea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImperialTeaCourt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperialteacourt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imperialtea

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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