So here is the year-end report that I wasn’t planning to write for 2022. For me the year has really been a game of two halves. Following my delight at the end of 2021, when I had doubled the sales figures for The Garden Roastery, I felt that I was already delivering a high quality and consistent service. The first half of 2022 started well, building on that joy and really feeling like I was getting somewhere with a significant increase in regular customers and wonderful feedback from customers who have been shopping with me for many years. The Lows?
“But what about the highs for 2022?” I hear you cry! Well great news, The Garden Roastery customer base has grown, with orders being dispatched across the UK. Local customer awareness has spread, and I regularly find myself being greeted with ‘oh you’re the coffee lady’ – that always makes me smile. There have been new product launches – the latest being the sell-out Coffee Travel Can and for the first time ever The Garden Roastery coffee and gifts are available for purchase at another local business. So, what’s next? Those of you who are fans of The West Wing will recognise the phrase… 'What's next?' What does 2023 hold for me and The Garden Roastery? Well, it’s onwards and upwards. I have been qualified as a Coffee Roaster since 2017, through the Speciality Coffee Association. But it’s time to refresh and top up. So, this year I am planning to travel to Copenhagen for the next stage of professional roaster training, exams and qualifications. I can’t wait! I will also need to start looking at new equipment, and I will be using my training trip to scout out the best roasting machines before considering an upgrade to help increase capacity and let Daisy start her well-deserved retirement. Product development will definitely be on the cards with consideration of a range of subscription packages. Support and networking – I really want to spend more time networking with and supporting other local businesses. It provides such a boost to meet others in a similar situation and share great ideas. I have a business degree and 30 years experience which I hope can help others. Last but not least, I want to give more back and support worthy causes where I can. Whilst The Garden Roastery does not have the funds do make large corporate donations, I will absolutely be looking for opportunities to support worthy causes and reduce environmental impact whilst providing the best service possible to my customers. Keep the faith...I’m really looking forward to this year. I’ve got a big birthday coming up and that is a big reason to focus on my passion. For all small business owners out there I do believe there is such a thing as a Small Business Imposter Syndrome. I think all small business owners at some point wonder whether they’re actually doing it right and forget how much they have achieved and how far they have come. There have been so many small businesses close with the recent economic challenges. But keep the faith! You do know more than you think, all the effort is worth it. Yes, it’s very very hard but don’t give up. Keep your passion, keep celebrating the journey, support each other along the way and together we will all keep small-business alive.
Thanks so much for all my customers and all those people who have supported the Roastery through 2022. Let’s look forward and have a wonderful 2023. Happy New Year! Lisa xx
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AuthorLisa - Roaster by Passion Topics
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