Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coffee vending, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teal Cooper, the founder of VendiBean, a coffee vending business based in the US.

Tell us all about your business...

VendiBean is a barista at the touch of a button disrupting the coffee vending and office coffee industry. Brother-sister duo launched VendiBean in college with the need for high-quality coffee available on the go after hours. Our machines are located on universities, military bases, hospitals and corporate offices like Buzzfeed, Wingstop, HP, and more, as a complimentary high-end subscription service.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

My brother and I launched VendiBean during my senior year of college at SDSU. We knew nothing about coffee and nothing about vending machines. The product we launched ended up being a total flop...the coffee was disgusting hah! However, it's only considered a failure if you stop trying. Almost four years later, we have perfected our recipes with the help of local craft coffee roasters and expanded to 3 states, 165 machines, and 11 employees. We're constantly working on improving and are motivated to be leaders of innovation in this industry. We both feel extremely grateful to be pursuing a vision we feel so passionate about.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Hiring a team of incredible employees who believe in our vision as much as we do.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

For me there's no on and off switch, my business is a part of me. I think the emotional highs and lows and the stresses are the hardest things that comes with being a business owner.

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

1. Be willing to learn everything and get your hands dirty.

2. Rejection is a part of the process, the entrepreneurs who make it are the ones who never give up.

3. Just start! Don't wait until you feel like your product is perfect, you will only learn how to improve once you start and get feedback.

Where can people find you online?

https://vendibean.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vendibean/
https://www.instagram.com/vendibean/
https://www.instagram.com/teal.cooper/?hl=en

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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.