Startup Sunrise – Brew (Coffee & Tea) Founders Q&A Recap
Startup Sunrise Notes – Brew Founders Q&A
On October 3, the Startup Sioux Falls community gathered once again for the Brew Founders edition of Startup Sunrise, where local entrepreneurs shared their journeys, challenges, and insights into the world of small business ownership. The event featured honest conversations, new perspectives, and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to start their entrepreneurial journey.
Read on to meet the speakers and hear their thoughts on starting and growing their businesses.
MEET THE PERFORMER & SPEAKERS
Local Musician: Chewy Rodriguez
Chewy Rodriguez performed during the social start of the event, bringing energy and warmth with his music. As part of the Washington Pavilion’s Live & Local Series, he will perform again on November 21. Thank you to the Washington Pavilion for setting this up!
Andrew & Ari – Owners at Daylily Coffee
Andrew and Ari shared their unique journey into the coffee business. Andrew emphasized the beauty behind the coffee-making process and the inspiration from the people who grow and deliver it. They both highlighted how their vision of bringing light, color, and warmth into the winter months helped them create a special community-focused business in Sioux Falls.
Pauliina – Owner at Shall We Tea
With 10 years of experience living in East Asia, Pauliina shared how her passion for tea and independence led her to launch her own business. She emphasized her desire to introduce authentic tea to new audiences and her joy in teaching community classes to help others experience high-quality tea firsthand.
A big thank you to Tyrel Kool from Levo Credit Union for welcoming attendees and to Nate Boscaljon of Boscaljon Design Co. for facilitating the conversation.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship and how did you know your idea was worth going after?
Andrew:
“We knew from the beginning that coffee is something everyone drinks, every day. It’s undervalued, but the process and people behind it are incredible. There wasn’t one single moment; we just knew we were going to do this.”
Ari:
“We had been planning this for years but put it on the backburner. Coming back to our community and family helped us decide to move forward.”
Pauliina:
“I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I’m independent, and introducing tea to new audiences felt like a calling, especially after my experiences in East Asia.”
What has been your biggest setback, and how are you finding motivation to move through it?
Andrew:
“Money has been our biggest challenge. We are growing organically without external funding, which means I need to be patient in building out our vision.”
Ari:
“Not having an entrepreneurial mindset at first was tough. I had to learn along the way, but the vision keeps pulling me forward.”
Pauliina:
“I’m running the whole business on my own. I would love to do my passion 24/7, but everything else—bookkeeping, operations—falls on me.”
What sales channels do you use, and how do you see that growing over time?
Daylily:
“We do retail and wholesale. We want to expand the wholesale side and grow our online presence.”
Pauliina:
“I’m 100% retail to ensure customers have the right tea experience. I also partner with a local wellness center to expand my reach.”
How do you balance your business with other parts of your life?
Daylily:
“It was rocky at first, trying to do everything all at once. Now, we make intentional choices, have built a family-friendly space at our shop, and involve our loved ones in the process.”
Pauliina:
“My business is my baby! I’m supported by my husband and have the freedom to pursue my dream. It’s a lot, but I’m living my passion.”
What role does educating customers play in your business?
Daylily:
“Everyone has their own perceptions, but we want to educate them in a kind way. We teach classes to show the beauty behind coffee.”
Pauliina:
“Education is everything for me. Tea is new to many people here, so I had to rethink how I present it and explain the process.”
What has been the biggest surprise about starting a business in Sioux Falls?
Andrew:
“The support we’ve received has been overwhelming. It’s surprising to see how well we’ve done.”
Ari:
“Coming from Portland, where cafes open and close daily, Sioux Falls has been a great place to build lasting relationships and see the same people time and again.”
Pauliina:
“Sioux Falls has an amazing entrepreneurial spirit. I participated in the CO.STARTERS bootcamp, and I was blown away by the support system here.”
INVITE
Join us for another inspiring morning at our next Startup Sunrise. The Rural Founders edition is scheduled for November 6 from 8-9:15 am.
Timothy Sax shared his thoughts on the event:
“My favorite part was hearing about and seeing the community members who have shared interests and businesses.“
Sponsors:
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
