My story about getting into the coffeehouse business is one of a leap of faith. After 42 years as a nurse I was looking for someway to retire. I needed health insurance so was continuing to work at a career that had become a job. The many many changes in the healthcare field had made it difficult to practice nursing as I wished. Gone were the days when you could take time to get to know your patients. (Now referred to as clients). More and more tasks were heaped on us with little time left for the people who came for our help. Resentment and powerlessness became constant companions as we tried to do the best we could for our patients and still meet the standards set for us by the healthcare industry today.
K came home one day and said, " I think we should buy a coffeehouse". I thought it was one of her usual ideas that come and go. I dismissed the idea and went about my life, commuting to work an hour and 15 minutes each way, and filling the gas tank everyother day! It struck me on one of these trips--if the bank will give us the money, and I retire and only take out money for health insurance why not?
So began the journey. After visiting three banks/credit unions we were encouraged by the local bank in town. The business already had an established clientele and was making money. The building which was erected in 1855 had been completely remodeled. We were referred to a great guy by the president of the bank to help us through the process of projections etc. (Like I knew what that was or how to go about it). At any rate Jack was a God send and probably the reason that we got the coffeehouse.
I retired the begining of May and from there spent most of my time doing leg work and paper work to buy the coffeehouse. Business plans etc. Thank God for the internet and the bookstore and library for reference material.
We closed on June 2. Wow--they actually thought we were good risks! What had we done? I had no clue how to run a business, no retail experience, knew nothing about specialty coffee drinks, or ever used a cash register! What was I thinking!
When we bought the business we let one employee go because of that person's longevity and hourly wage. (Little did we know that she literally ran the business and the owners were unable to help us with alot of the day to day things.) It has been a HUGE learning curve for me. The first weekend, of the three of us (owners), I was the only one there. I had to work the cash register...bless the customers. I told them I was new and to please go slow. They did. Who knew what "dry" was, "no whip", "depth charges" etc. In hindsight if I had learned to make all the coffee drinks (espresso and cappacino etc.) it would have made it much easier.
About two days later I hit the wall and was ready to give it back! A big hug and a bottle of wine and I was ready to go back and try again.
The best thing about the whole experience are the wonderful people who come in and buy coffee etc. from us. They are encouraging and nourishing.
I love the town that we are located in. It is along the Mississippi River. It cherishes its heritage and maintains its buildings instead of destroying them and building new. Beautiful baskets hang on the street signs, the parks are beautiful and maintained wonderfully. I sit some days with a cup of coffee in our courtyard and listen to the church bells playing, and thank God for leading me here to this place. Although it has been difficult and there is much more to learn and do I feel very blessed. Mom (L)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
3 Weeks and Still Standing
It's Friday night, we've made it through 16 days! I have to say it has been the hardest thing that I have done, so far in my life, yet one of the most rewarding.
It's funny how your perspective on things can change. Working my "day job" is like a vacation. It is a relief, because I don't feel completely incompetent on a daily basis. I would like to say that it has been a snap, but I'm journaling because I am hopeful that in a few months I won't remember the "growing pains" unless I look back. Days at Lily's started out as 10-15 hour days. By the time that I crawl into bed at night every part of my body aches and I am so mentally exhausted that I want to cry. I am weary from an honest days work. But as tired as I am I have never felt more challenged and more balanced in my life.
The first week I expected to be fun and exhilirating. I quickly found that there were not enough hours in the day. The guage for the first week was that we were so over whelmed that we were close to tears...those were the good days. Then there were the bad days. The days that we felt so utterly stupid that we hit the wall. Days that we wanted to return the restaurant and quit. A kind word of support or a hug and we were brought to tears. But after the tears we regrouped, dusted ourselves off and tried again the next day. And we will continue to try until we get it right.
Each day gets a little easier, and we are starting to find our own rythm to the place. Even though this has been challenging, I feel more balanced and centered then I have in a long time. The staff are amazing, and the people are amazing. It brings me joy to meet the wonderful people that come into the store. To me it is a simple pleasure and an honest pleasure. I feel blessed. I am hoping that the coffee shop will be a place for friends and family to gather.
We are still working out the bumps. And there have been some big ones. When we took over we had to let one of the full time staff go, as a business decision. One of the other full time gals took 3 weeks of vacation right after we took over. We provided the staff with a welcome letter, identifying us as police officers. Two quit when they recieved the letter. So in essence we lost about 4 of our knowledgeable staff (about half the staff). The two that quit were probably for the best, but we certainily struggled the first few weeks. I wonder how many customers we have lost, and if it is about Karma. Then it makes you wonder what your karma to the world is.
Each day we make small strides. We still have a long way to go, but we have made progress. We got the payroll set up (what a royal pain!!!), most days we remember to pick up the bread, and after we ran out of about everything we're finally figuring out what and how much to order. We have 3 weeks of daily sales that are piling up and not yet entered into our accounting software. We have no idea how much money we have coming in versus going out...But we are getting there.
-K
It's funny how your perspective on things can change. Working my "day job" is like a vacation. It is a relief, because I don't feel completely incompetent on a daily basis. I would like to say that it has been a snap, but I'm journaling because I am hopeful that in a few months I won't remember the "growing pains" unless I look back. Days at Lily's started out as 10-15 hour days. By the time that I crawl into bed at night every part of my body aches and I am so mentally exhausted that I want to cry. I am weary from an honest days work. But as tired as I am I have never felt more challenged and more balanced in my life.
The first week I expected to be fun and exhilirating. I quickly found that there were not enough hours in the day. The guage for the first week was that we were so over whelmed that we were close to tears...those were the good days. Then there were the bad days. The days that we felt so utterly stupid that we hit the wall. Days that we wanted to return the restaurant and quit. A kind word of support or a hug and we were brought to tears. But after the tears we regrouped, dusted ourselves off and tried again the next day. And we will continue to try until we get it right.
Each day gets a little easier, and we are starting to find our own rythm to the place. Even though this has been challenging, I feel more balanced and centered then I have in a long time. The staff are amazing, and the people are amazing. It brings me joy to meet the wonderful people that come into the store. To me it is a simple pleasure and an honest pleasure. I feel blessed. I am hoping that the coffee shop will be a place for friends and family to gather.
We are still working out the bumps. And there have been some big ones. When we took over we had to let one of the full time staff go, as a business decision. One of the other full time gals took 3 weeks of vacation right after we took over. We provided the staff with a welcome letter, identifying us as police officers. Two quit when they recieved the letter. So in essence we lost about 4 of our knowledgeable staff (about half the staff). The two that quit were probably for the best, but we certainily struggled the first few weeks. I wonder how many customers we have lost, and if it is about Karma. Then it makes you wonder what your karma to the world is.
Each day we make small strides. We still have a long way to go, but we have made progress. We got the payroll set up (what a royal pain!!!), most days we remember to pick up the bread, and after we ran out of about everything we're finally figuring out what and how much to order. We have 3 weeks of daily sales that are piling up and not yet entered into our accounting software. We have no idea how much money we have coming in versus going out...But we are getting there.
-K
Friday, May 30, 2008
What have we done?
May 30, 2008
In a million years, I never could have imagined that this is where the next step in the journey of life would lead me and my family.
I never really believed that everything happens for a reason....nor did I understand any of the seemingly random connections in life...not until the most recent events. I decided to blog about this exciting new adventure in hopes to capture the highlights and the journey.
I'm 32 and buying a coffee shop with my mom and the love of my life. Could I be any luckier? Combined, the 3 of us have 70+ years experience in public service. My mom as a nurse, and me and J as police officers.
So let me back up....I ended up in rural Minnesota after moving to Minnesota for school. I've lived all over the place, other states, in Mexico, and in the cities for many years. Then after September 11th, I lost 3 jobs within 2 years. I needed a job that paid money. I had previously been to this town for a wedding and I loved the shopping. I'm really not joking...I applied for a job because I liked to shop in the town. Pretty much how I've made all major decisions in my life, just taking a big leap and figuring it out after the fact.
Mom got divorced and needed a change of scenery. We have always been kindred spirits, so she decided to move to Minnesota and start fresh. She also likes the shopping. ;)
I got engaged and then I got unengaged. I thought I was destined to be single for ever. If anyone tells you that dating is fun, they are not currently dating!!!! I have some interesting dating stories, but that is for another day.
Then I met the love of my life, and my best friend. We started out as honest friends for many many years. Each supporting the other through the ups and down of life. One day we realized that there was a much deeper connection than just pals. I think that we both feel fortunate to have found each other. It's not the perfect or ideal relationship but it works for us.
Life continued and it was good. While down here, I met my best gal pal K(Ktsparadise.blogspot.com). I'm not sure how we became friends, but we have been great friends (and bad influences) ever since. K is a remarkable woman who inspires me daily. Anyway, she decided that she was going to open a store, just because she can. Her courage and fortitude shocked me. But I listened with interest as she talked about it, and she gave me courage. She definitely planted a seed and gave me the courage to roar (or meow as it truly feels).
Sometime this winter, J and I had dinner with K and her hubby. A few too many Capatini's later, and K said, "You know that coffee shop in town is for sale." You and J should buy it. I love that about her. Just go buy a coffee shop, Not a huge deal, it's just like you are buying a purse or a vacation. Even though I laughed thinking she was actually out of her mind, I started to day dream about the possibility.
Well, if you haven't picked up on the shopping thing I don't exactly have a well balanced portfolio with lots of money laying around. I'm very much a public servant that put herself though school and is still making payments on her student loans.
So....One Sunday J and I had lunch at the coffee shop. The current owners, who we also quickly became friends with because of their creativity, genuineness, and engaging personalities, convinced us that the banks might actually give us money, and that "don't let anyone tell you you can't do it."
Oh, I forgot to mention that before J became a cop he went to school to become a Chef and has always loved cooking...So maybe things really do happen for a reason?
Well, after that day at lunch I had dinner with my mom. After 40 some years of nursing she was tired of nursing. Tired of working in a thankless job without sufficient resources to do the job the way it should be done. She was still working because she needed health insurance. Half joking I asked her if she wanted to buy a coffee shop. I figured she'd chalk this up as another one of my hair-brained ideas that I would forget about it in a day or so.
To my surprise when she realized that she could retire and the coffee shop could pay her health insurance for a few years she was hooked, and leaped.
We weren't too worried. We knew that no sane banker would give us average Jo's the money.
Well we close on Monday. We bought a coffee shop/restaurant. What have we done? On blind faith mom retired from nursing, trusting that this deal would go through without a hitch.
She's been "retired" for a month and has been our saving grace. She hasn't had much of a retirement. Buying a business is definitely not an easy undertaking, and there are bankers, attorneys, tax advisers, licenses, and a million other little details to get off the ground which she has been taking care of.
So, we are scared to death!! Excited, and thrilled. We hope that eventually we will figure out what we are doing. We hope that we can make some money and pay off the bankers. We hope to bring a smile and some joy to friends, family, and new friends one cup at a time.
J, mom, and I will keep you posted on the journey.
-K
In a million years, I never could have imagined that this is where the next step in the journey of life would lead me and my family.
I never really believed that everything happens for a reason....nor did I understand any of the seemingly random connections in life...not until the most recent events. I decided to blog about this exciting new adventure in hopes to capture the highlights and the journey.
I'm 32 and buying a coffee shop with my mom and the love of my life. Could I be any luckier? Combined, the 3 of us have 70+ years experience in public service. My mom as a nurse, and me and J as police officers.
So let me back up....I ended up in rural Minnesota after moving to Minnesota for school. I've lived all over the place, other states, in Mexico, and in the cities for many years. Then after September 11th, I lost 3 jobs within 2 years. I needed a job that paid money. I had previously been to this town for a wedding and I loved the shopping. I'm really not joking...I applied for a job because I liked to shop in the town. Pretty much how I've made all major decisions in my life, just taking a big leap and figuring it out after the fact.
Mom got divorced and needed a change of scenery. We have always been kindred spirits, so she decided to move to Minnesota and start fresh. She also likes the shopping. ;)
I got engaged and then I got unengaged. I thought I was destined to be single for ever. If anyone tells you that dating is fun, they are not currently dating!!!! I have some interesting dating stories, but that is for another day.
Then I met the love of my life, and my best friend. We started out as honest friends for many many years. Each supporting the other through the ups and down of life. One day we realized that there was a much deeper connection than just pals. I think that we both feel fortunate to have found each other. It's not the perfect or ideal relationship but it works for us.
Life continued and it was good. While down here, I met my best gal pal K(Ktsparadise.blogspot.com). I'm not sure how we became friends, but we have been great friends (and bad influences) ever since. K is a remarkable woman who inspires me daily. Anyway, she decided that she was going to open a store, just because she can. Her courage and fortitude shocked me. But I listened with interest as she talked about it, and she gave me courage. She definitely planted a seed and gave me the courage to roar (or meow as it truly feels).
Sometime this winter, J and I had dinner with K and her hubby. A few too many Capatini's later, and K said, "You know that coffee shop in town is for sale." You and J should buy it. I love that about her. Just go buy a coffee shop, Not a huge deal, it's just like you are buying a purse or a vacation. Even though I laughed thinking she was actually out of her mind, I started to day dream about the possibility.
Well, if you haven't picked up on the shopping thing I don't exactly have a well balanced portfolio with lots of money laying around. I'm very much a public servant that put herself though school and is still making payments on her student loans.
So....One Sunday J and I had lunch at the coffee shop. The current owners, who we also quickly became friends with because of their creativity, genuineness, and engaging personalities, convinced us that the banks might actually give us money, and that "don't let anyone tell you you can't do it."
Oh, I forgot to mention that before J became a cop he went to school to become a Chef and has always loved cooking...So maybe things really do happen for a reason?
Well, after that day at lunch I had dinner with my mom. After 40 some years of nursing she was tired of nursing. Tired of working in a thankless job without sufficient resources to do the job the way it should be done. She was still working because she needed health insurance. Half joking I asked her if she wanted to buy a coffee shop. I figured she'd chalk this up as another one of my hair-brained ideas that I would forget about it in a day or so.
To my surprise when she realized that she could retire and the coffee shop could pay her health insurance for a few years she was hooked, and leaped.
We weren't too worried. We knew that no sane banker would give us average Jo's the money.
Well we close on Monday. We bought a coffee shop/restaurant. What have we done? On blind faith mom retired from nursing, trusting that this deal would go through without a hitch.
She's been "retired" for a month and has been our saving grace. She hasn't had much of a retirement. Buying a business is definitely not an easy undertaking, and there are bankers, attorneys, tax advisers, licenses, and a million other little details to get off the ground which she has been taking care of.
So, we are scared to death!! Excited, and thrilled. We hope that eventually we will figure out what we are doing. We hope that we can make some money and pay off the bankers. We hope to bring a smile and some joy to friends, family, and new friends one cup at a time.
J, mom, and I will keep you posted on the journey.
-K
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
