Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shasitie Nguyen, co-owner of Tí: Cafê Ta, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tí Cafe is Denver's first Vietnamese coffee shop owned by three sisters, Sashaline, Shasitie, and Shominic Nguyen. Coffee is a lifestyle enjoyed by many. With that said, we welcome anyone interested in the Vietnamese coffee culture experience.
Tell us about yourself
We are a sister and sister and sister shop -move over mom and pop shop. As creative individuals with strong personalities, raised by two entrepreneurial parents, we always knew we wanted to start our own business. We saw the potential in bringing together our complementary skill sets. We originally wanted to venture into fashion and start our own clothing line, but our paths eventually led us to the food industry, where we saw a great opportunity in celebrating Vietnamese culture and their thriving coffee scene, something we believe is underrated despite Vietnam being the second largest coffee producer in the world. But our shift in plans didn't mean sacrificing the vision we had curated for any prior business endeavors—we believe Tí Cafe is unique because it isn't just a coffee shop; it's a brand that encapsulates a vision that has matured into intention and passion, something that captures the meaning of community and presents it through an unconventional lens to give a lasting impression beyond the physical. Each of our drinks, for example, comes with a branded tag that lists each order and a name that fuses the function of a hangtag found in retail with the order tickets used in restaurants. Another example is the coffee shop space itself, which serves as an art gallery with revolving installations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is deciding to open a business during COVID and coming out of it on the other side with more success than not. We are very grateful to our community for coming through and showing support from the beginning. Denver is amazing at supporting local small businesses, and we are happy to be able to introduce something new and different.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of our biggest challenges is navigating where to get supplies during this time when shortages are nothing short of being common in the food industry. We have to deal with price increases and shortages of supplies specific to our coffee shop. In turn, we learn quickly what resources we have and how to problem solve and make things work yet still keep our products up to our standards.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You have to have drive and passion. You gotta really want it. Simple as that. The burnout is worth it when at the end of the day, you can see your hard work being appreciated by complete strangers.
- Baby steps. Take each new obstacle day by day. The challenges won't stop, but that will, in turn, help you grow on a personal and professional level. You'll learn patience and acquire a sense of calmness that regardless of whatever stressful situation you're in, you will get through it.
- Do not hesitate to ask for help. There is always something to be learned, and there is always someone ready to pass on new knowledge. Starting a business is not something to take lightly; take all the help you can get and be appreciative of those willing to extend a hand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ti.cafe/
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.