You may remember that community service is an important aspect of our business model in order to be a good citizen in the Durham community. On March 17, 2009, Ms. Debora Surbrook, a teacher at the Durham School of the Arts, invited me to speak to her entrepreneurship class in hopes of providing both encouragement and practical knowledge to be an entrepreneur. It was a great event filled with energetic students who had lots of great questions and ideas!
I think the highlight of the day came when I asked them, "what is the most important thing an entrepreneur must have to be successful?" The students gave many good answers ranging from dedication, patience, work ethics, etc. But they seemed a bit surprised that I wouldn't agree to any of the 10+ answers they kept throwing at me. Finally they seemed to be growing somewhat annoyed by my disagreeing with them, so I told them about the importance of Passion. From every happy and successful entrepreneur ranging from Donald Trump to Oprah, from Bill Gates to any local entrepreneur in Durham, you will generally hear them all say the same thing: Do What You Love! I've learned that it is love and passion for what you're doing that will get you through the dark and tough times.
What's funny is that seeing aspiring entrepreneurs in high school is equally rewarding and inspirational to me. Not to mention it serves as a reminder that there is a younger generation of entrepreneurs just behind me, and they too are as energetic and passionate about their dreams. I simply enjoy being around dreamers who see the world as "what if..." and "why not...".
Thank YOU Ms. Surbrook's class for keeping me going!
I just wanted to share the positive news about me (Beyu Caffe) being featured on National Public Radio's popular show, The State of Things with host Frank Stasio. You can access the audio file to listen to the show on NPR's website. However, just know they saved the best for last so I am interviewed towards the end of the broadcast (smile).
Sip Local Segment:
The Triangle's robust eat-local scene with its markets, grocers and farm-to-table restaurants means thoughtful consumers can know where their food is coming from. But what about their drinks? Is it possible to "sip local" when you're enjoying coffee, wine, tea or beer? Host Frank Stasio talks to Lex Alexander, founder of Wellspring Grocery and owner of 3Cups, about the past and future of the local-food movement in the Triangle. We'll also meet Dorian Bolden, a young, Durham-based coffee shop entrepreneur; Margo Knight-Metzger, head of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council; and Sean Wilson, a North Carolina brewer who successfully led the Pop the Cap movement to loosen state laws regulating beer.
On February 27th, Beyú Caffé hosted a poetry and jazz event at the Mary Lou Williams Center on the campus of Duke University. Our goal was to provide a brief preview of future poetry and jazz performances after we open. The event was a great success, bringing in over 70 persons throughout the evening to enjoy spoken word, live jazz music, and gourmet desserts and pastries. The company would like to thank those partners who were able to make it out to the event. We are very appreciative to the following companies and organizations for sponsoring Coffeehouse Cool:
What's funny is that seeing aspiring entrepreneurs in high school is equally rewarding and inspirational to me. Not to mention it serves as a reminder that there is a younger generation of entrepreneurs just behind me, and they too are as energetic and passionate about their dreams. I simply enjoy being around dreamers who see the world as "what if..." and "why not...".
