Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robyn Yow, co-owner and manager of The Island Grind Coffee and Tea, located in Campbell River, BC, Canada.

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

We're a community-based coffee shop featuring as many locally-driven products, baked goods, and artists as we can. Our customer base is coffee and tea lovers, as well as quick delicious, and healthy foodies.

Tell us about yourself

Vancouver Island is filled with so many outdoor activities, and it's what most locals fill their day with. As the manager and co-owner of The Island Grind, I spend a lot of time in the ocean, on the trails, and making beautiful coffees. Much of my passion comes from always loving working in customer service and learning the specialty coffee trade while traveling in Australia and New Zealand.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of our biggest accomplishments over these past two years has been navigating the trials and tribulations of new and ever-changing COVID policies and finding what works best for our community, our customers, and our staff.

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

Personally, I've found that one of the hardest things is keeping a work/ life balance. It's easy to put everything you have into your business and even easier not to make time to step away and enjoy the other parts of life.

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

Embracing the help and advice from other businesses in your community is a big one. Look for like-minded people who want to help the community grow rather than think of new businesses as competition.

Keeping your staff happy and making them feel like they are a part of the team rather than someone who is replaceable. Businesses run on many things, but in this industry (food and beverage), customer service is everything, and hiring based on that is important.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Try not to forget the passion you started with when making your business plans. Know that making a profit takes time. Embrace your employees' and customers' ideas and skills; it doesn't mean you have to use them but learning what input they have to share could be beneficial.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://theislandgrind.com/
Instagram: @theislandgrindcoffee
Facebook: @theislandgrind


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.