When did you launch your business, and who are the key people behind it?
I launched my coffee business in May 2024. Initially, I started it with a friend, but when he left the venture, I decided to continue my own, with support from my family.
Tell us a bit about your heritage – where do your roots lie, and when did your family come to the UK?
I’m Black African from Ivory Coast. I moved to the UK by myself in 2002, where I met my wife. We have three children, and my eldest son, from a previous relationship, now lives with us in the UK as well.
Does entrepreneurship run in your family?
Yes, entrepreneurship is in my family. My grandparents were farmers who produced coffee, cocoa, and vegetables, and my uncle owns a chocolate factory. Growing up surrounded by this inspired my passion for business.
How has your cultural background and heritage influenced the vision and values of your business?
In Ivory Coast, coffee was always present in daily life. I saw people enjoying it in the streets, which sparked my desire to one day run my own coffee business. After moving to the UK, I spent 25 years working in the coffee industry, honing my skills and deepening my love for the craft.
What inspired you to start the business when you did?
It was the encouragement from my customers that pushed me to start. Many loved the way I made coffee and interacted with them, and one even gave me a book on how to run a coffee or restaurant business, which planted the seed for my venture.
What have been three of the most challenging aspects of running a business?
The biggest challenges have been securing resources and finance, balancing my time with family commitments, and finding a suitable space for the business. After three years of searching for a location, I eventually started small with a minivan.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to honour the resilience and contributions of Black people, including my own family, who were coffee farmers in Ivory Coast. It reminds me of the strength and determination of my ancestors, which inspires me in my business today. It’s also a chance to share my culture and connect with the community here in Wandsworth, showing how our heritage shapes who we are.
If you had the opportunity to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I would focus on securing a good business location and finances first, as these were the areas where I struggled the most. With better planning, I believe I could have launched the business more efficiently.
What three tips would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?
First, be passionate about what you do. Second, have the courage to take risks. And third, never give up on your dreams—keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles you face.
What impact do you hope your business will have on future generations, and how do you envision it contributing to the broader narrative of Black entrepreneurship?
I hope my business shows future generations that with passion and persistence, anything is possible. I want to inspire young people, especially from the Black community, to believe in their dreams and embrace entrepreneurship. My story is part of a broader narrative of Black entrepreneurship, proving that despite challenges, we can succeed and build something lasting.
Finish this sentence: I enjoy being based in Wandsworth because…
Wandsworth is a friendly area where you can meet a wide range of people and connect with other businesses. It’s a great place to build relationships and grow.
How can people connect with you and learn more about your business?
You can find me at my spot in Balham, Hildreth Street, Market. My website is launching soon, and you can also find me on Google and Instagram, with Deliveroo coming soon.