Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marilynn Ritter, CEO and founder of Valet Coffee, located in Burlington, KY, USA.

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

Full-service mobile espresso & Smoothie Bar. WE BRING THE COFFEE HOUSE TO YOU. We offer a fully transportable espresso and smoothie bar that can be set up indoors or outdoors in less than 30 minutes. Our baristas are professionally trained in the traditional artisan methods of espresso and bring a level of service and knowledge to any setting.

We bring everything needed to your special event, including our state-of-the-art commercial espresso machine and an array of delicious ingredients that make all of your coffee house favorites. In addition, we use the best quality products to make your chocolate mochas, luscious lattes, and steamy cappuccinos the best, every time! Whether it's a private party or a large corporate event, our mobile espresso and smoothie bar service is dedicated to making your party or event more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Who are our customers? Businesses for company appreciation days, any time a company wants to celebrate we are called, salespeople take us with them to get a chance to talk to clients, and good friends send the coffee bar to the office of a good friend to celebrate a special birthday, wedding receptions, wonderful option to the cocktail bar. The list goes on and on.

Tell us about yourself

I was a flight attendant and knew if I could serve coffee at 35,000 feet, I could serve it on the ground. So we started the process of developing Valet Coffee which included a trip to Italy to learn how to make fabulous coffee drinks.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Repeat business.

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

Learning how to advertise online, websites, and constant online presence. For me, marketing was the hardest.

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

  1. LOVE THE BUSINESS FIRST.
  2. Stay motivated.
  3. Set your goals daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://valetcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValetCoffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynnritter/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.