Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverages but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hong Dai, co-founder of Another Land Coffee And More Inc., located in North York, Ontario, Canada.

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

We are the one and the only specialty coffee shop in the North York area. We are hidden on a second floor in a small plaza operating for two years without a proper signage. We take great care of each and every one of our customers, we all slowly become friends. Our customers are mostly work or live in the area and cares for quality coffee, food and very supportive of local small businesses. We are very proud of every product we select to use and serve in the cafe.

Tell us about yourself

I have been working in the specialty coffee industry since my college years. For the past 12 years, my knowledge, passion, and respect for the industry have been growing day after day. I decided to open a specialty coffee shop in the area I live, which was my retirement plan, but I decided to do it when I turned 30. Since then, I have been living my dream and sharing my happy place with my community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment is that I am able to hire someone who has the same passion about coffee and service as me. We have grown a customer base that we all become friends appreciate each other. And also last but not least, to survive the pandemic and be able to reopen after lockdown.

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

The hardest part is probably that I am only working with very limited funds and resources to compete among giant chains.

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

  1. Start with why you want to start this business.
  2. Talk to people who have already been doing what you want to do and really observe their lifestyle, day-to-day life, and see if this is who you want to become and the life you want to live.
  3. If your answer is yes, start a proper business proposal and share it with people in your industry.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think the only fairness in life is that everyone wakes up to have 24 hours a day; what you do to fulfill the time determines the quality of your life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.anotherlandcoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anotherlandcoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherlandcoffee/

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.