What is Success?

It will be 2 years come April since opening our cafe at West Queen West. 2009 was a great year and now being 2010, it got me thinking, "have I been successful"?
And it got me thinking further, what is Success?
Naturally, money and status come to mind. But if that is success, I am not successful at all.

Reflecting on my experiences operating a cafe, I think sometimes, money and status might take a while to come but what I have now, is precious.

I have a team of great baristas. They are keen to provide the best coffee experience they can give, they always want to learn more of coffee, learning about cupping, roasting, the many different methods of preparing drinks and trying to keep up to date on the ever changing coffee industry.

We as a cafe has bought some amazing coffees. We bought some beautiful micro-lots of award winning coffees and are proud to roast them at the cafe! And People are loving it!
I had the chance to cup with some local cafes and also the chance to study and learn more on coffees. We also have overseas visitors and farmers come and share their coffee knowledge with us. And this makes us all a Coffee Global Village!
We are constantly working towards balancing commerce vs fairness in our business. We have achieved beyond what we set out to do by paying farmers more than the fair trade prices.
My business partner was on the team of jury for COE (cup of excellence) for Guatamala, Bolivia as well as Brazil and this allow us to sharpen our cupping profile and roast some excellent single origin beans.

One customer helped at some renovation, another helped with our postcards design, one helped with logo design on our window, while another sewed our cushions. When I broke my leg, everyone helped and supported me.
There were hugs, smiles, laughter and lots of great times over coffees! A great community rallying around the cafe and myself. It is very rewarding and inspiring. When the going gets tough and everyone is my cheerleader, I simply cannot give up!
It helped put things into perspective and helped me get back on track and continue my coffee journey.

I count it my blessing and privilege to be able to learn so much. I learned so many wonderful lessons, the good and the bad.
And learned that as a community, it is important to build roots and I am learning that it is important to give as much as i can while I make money (very much needed when operating a business).

So, I think I am successful. And now, I need to work at being Rich. Any tips? :)

Up to Date!

Its been almost a year since I last blogged. I couldn't find time nor energy to blog. My mind is constantly churning away at things business.

Today, on a bright sunny Sunday (only day off!), I want to dabble a little and answer some questions from friends. Hopefully, I can get some sense of self:

What kept you away?
Lost in the daily grind of operating a new business and working at it, day in/day out. Thinking about work, breathing about work and traveling on work.

What has happened since the last you blogged?
Had a burnt out period. Didn't stopped training new staff since January 2009 till April 2009 and that means working extra hours. Now, I have a team of great staff. Wonderful people. Took some stress out from me since managing staff usually takes up most of my energy.
On a good note, business is growing (slowly). Still a long way to go to where I want but am working hard to create my wholesale business and hopefully a training program for barrista wannabe. The cafe has started buying some award winning coffees and this is one of the most exciting news for me. We are slowly getting a recognition for roasting great coffee. And fast becoming the neighborhood cafe.

How are you, on a side note?
All I can say is ONE DAY AT A TIME! Opening a business takes a lot of gut, strength, sacrifices and mental health. Not forgetting physical stamina.
Tiredness is a constant theme. Stress is the most constant companion in my life, right now, my one true love. One of my goal this year is to get some personal time and create a healthy boundary between work and self. So far, I've manged to attend a photography workshop, moved to a different apartment better for my mind. Though, I have yet to find time for a regular exercise program but I made time to find myself a MAN (he is fast replacing STRESS, my true love!).
Am very thankful. I could have a nervous breakdown. Jokes aside.

What is Stress?
Juggling the daily operation of business, learning how to balance my finances for business (what to pay and what to add to cafe and how), strategy for growth, staff management, creating an awareness to public (branding & marketing), planning for growth etc.
There probably isn't a minute that goes by I do not worry, think, deal and mull over decisions I have to make. At times, it can be overwhelming.

How do you handle the demands on you?
First- tears (buckets of it!), second - talk to people around me. When I am stress, I talk a lot (need to watch that I am not boring others and become too self absorbed), it relieves the burden slightly and when I listen to myself and others, I get a perspective. I am thankful I have quite a few people I can turn to. Lastly - I pray; I become quiet and I wait. I read to escape and relax (sadly, not enough).

Is it worth it?
I feel really bad for some of my friends. I feel I am constantly busy and have no time for them. Sometimes, I feel I am too selfish, constantly putting work first. But when one has a business, there are sacrifices. Thankfully my friends and community push me to work at it. I learned so much and am still learning. Learning to run a business, keeping abreast of the industry, challenging myself and team to always become better, getting as much training as I possibly can and best of all, self awareness. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses. When time gets tough, I try holding firm to what is important to me and what I really want. Making sure my core value remains the same or is strengthen when challenged.
I don't know if I have the personality or knowledge to make it successful but I am trying really hard.

What comes next?
After 15 months in business, I need the business to grow (through wholesale, e-commerce and more foot traffic) at a rate that is healthy to achieve certain goals. I want more training for all at cafe and I hope to take at least 2 months off work to properly rest and travel to coffee origin and work with farmers. I wish to provide my team opportunity to compete in 2011. I want time to self and time to visit family whom I have not seen for a long time. I hope to find energy, time and money doing what I love and do it meaningfully and well.
(A lot to ask for)

Each time when I feel really burden, someone comes along and gave me a mental lift. I can think of so many people who wants me to do well. And I can't thank my care group and boyfriend for the support they have been to me. I am stronger because of them. I am thankful for my community at work and friends who supported me; constantly stopping by to give me a friendly cheer! Thank you.