Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alfonso Tupaz, owner of Hatch Coffee Roasters, located in Markham, Ontario, Canada.

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

Hatch Coffee is a Specialty Coffee Roaster based in Markham, ON, Canada. We source, roast, and brew some amazing and unique coffees from close relationship farms from around the world.

Tell us about yourself

I first got into Specialty Coffee about a decade ago, when I was residing in West Africa as an ex-pat. Having miscalculated my coffee supply on a trip abroad, my team and I built a make-shift roaster from scratch using parts and equipment from the machine room (we had a dedicated high-tech machine shop on-site).

When it was all set up, we put in a batch of greens (raw coffee) and tested it out. That first batch changed everything for me. It was like a lightbulb, and at that moment, I knew what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, I derive satisfaction from creating products - from ideation all the way to market. Seeing our products on store shelves and hearing positive customer feedback are some pretty large accomplishments for me. Otherwise, after a few short years as a bootstrapped company, it's cash-flow positive would be my other biggest accomplishment.

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

Balance. Every entrepreneur wants to work 24/7. It can be difficult to balance health and family (especially if you have kids), but it is important to have a balanced life.

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

  1. Start early, and don't over-plan (you will need to make changes to your business along the way, just be nimble).
  2. Do it because it is something you're passionate about (because you will be losing money in the early years, and it will demoralize people who are not truly dedicated).
  3. Seek assistance (building is hard, but running a business is harder, so
    seek help and be receptive to help from people willing to help).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Build a great team. Treat them like family (even if that means being less like a boss and more like a father or mother).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hatchcrafted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonz/


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.