Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yami Correa, Co-Founder of The SisterYard, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

We (my sister and I) make Coconut Cold Brew Coffee. Meaning we toast coconut chips in-house, mix those with the coffee grounds, then pour coconut water over it, allowing it to slowly steep overnight. Our customers are conscious consumers that care for the freshness, quality, and ingredients of their daily products.

Tell us about yourself

I went to culinary school right after high school. Worked in the industry for about seven years on everything from restaurants, catering, banquet cuisines, meal plans, etc. Nothing was really fulfilling, and I was ready to completely give up on the industry.

My sister and I started cooking classes in our backyard and were working full-time jobs elsewhere at the time. Here is when the coffee got started (at least for us). Quarantine started, and it's when we found the time to play around with recipes and launch the coffee we have now been selling for two years.

Motivation changes (at least for me) every day, but knowing that we are working for ourselves is a huge plus. Understanding that there are no boundaries but the ones we give ourselves is one thing that drives us to continue pushing day after day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner to date is to have launched a CPG brand along with my sister and best friend, which let us relocate to NYC.

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

Understanding that you are here for the long haul. It is not a race but a marathon, and slow + steady growth is better than rushing through things that might kill the whole ride.

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

  1. You don't know if it'll work until you try it out.
  2. It does not need to be perfect at the beginning. It is all a work in progress.
  3. Do it because it brings you love, happiness, and joy. It does not have to bring you all these things during every task of the business, but if it does not come from a place of light, then it is not worth doing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thesisteryard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesisteryard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesisteryard/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesisteryard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yamilet-correa-42757665/

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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