Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Cheung, Founder of Central Matcha, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Central Matcha is a passion project dedicated to sharing our love of matcha. We offer 100% ceremonial grade matcha from Kagoshima, Japan, directly to customers via our online shop (www.centralmatcha.com). While our main focus is the matcha itself, we do offer accessories to enhance the drinking experience; in addition, we curate experiences at local events and farmer's markets by serving handcrafted matcha drinks.
Our customers range from matcha lovers to folks learning about matcha for the first time! We welcome anyone willing to try - our goal is to educate the world about the benefits of matcha!
Tell us about yourself
When "working from home" became the norm, I suddenly had a few extra hours during the work week. I started thinking about what I wanted to accomplish five years, ten years out, and moving up the corporate ladder was not the goal. That got me thinking back to my college days working at a local coffee shop! From preparing and serving drinks to interactions with regular customers - what a fun job it was! For the past few years, I have been drinking less caffeine. Matcha became the replacement for coffee and energy drinks - starting a matcha company was a no-brainer!
Every decision and action for Central Matcha is motivated by a deep desire to work for me. I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and love everything that comes with it - from long, seemingly endless hours of monotonous tasks to making executive decisions with the snap of a finger. I am my own boss.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In January 2023, we started working a booth at Texas Farmers Market. It has been quite the journey getting to this point - permits, insurance, fees, and more fees! But the ability to connect with locals every Saturday has been priceless. Business aside, the human aspect of two sides bonding over a hot (or cold!) cup of tea has been very rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Some days it seems as if all the work going into the business won't be worth it. Long hours with seemingly no end. Extremely variable cash flow that is difficult to forecast. It is the aforementioned entrepreneurial spirit that keeps me going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- No one has any idea what they are doing. It is impossible for any one person to be an expert at everything that goes into running a successful business.
- Jump straight in. Move fast and connect with like-minded individuals. There is no better time than now to work on any one of the million ideas you currently have.
- Be undeniable.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://centralmatcha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralmatcha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralmatcha/
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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