Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Cornell, owner of Twin Pikes Roastery, located in Louisiana, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is roasting coffee and running a cafe and online business. Our customers are local coffee drinkers and online coffee shoppers.
Tell us about yourself
I am a family man living in a small town in Missouri. We like to play music, fish, and visit friends and family. What got me started working on my business is the love of being a creator and an artist. There is nothing more satisfying to me than to create something others appreciate. That's a daily motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is staying in business, especially after the train wreck that was called covid. It's no secret that the mega-corporations benefited while small to medium-sized businesses took a major blow. Healthy small businesses mean freedom. Freedom to make your own way. Freedom to create your own culture. Freedom to be happy!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is staying positive despite being in the minority who puts in 100%. Despite this cross, learning to rise above it and keep positive makes me a stronger person.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips are to stick with it, brake it down, and have a strong personal life. Expect it to take ten years of hard work with little to show for it. It usually takes that long before your creation bears fruit. Take it one day at a time and accomplish what you can for that day. Leave tomorrow for a second opportunity. Lastly, develop a life away from your business. There will be times, especially in the beginning, when you have to put in all your free time. Remember that we are social creatures, and we need good friends and family to enjoy our lives. This will give you the energy you need to keep going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://twinpike.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinpikes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinpikes.roastery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrcornell/
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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