Starting an independent coffee shop

  • by Paulyne Antoniou 

Interview with...

Sasha Rainey
Age:
29
CV:
Managing coffee shops
Business name:
Fix
Goods/services:
Independent coffee shop 
Location:
Whitecross Street, London
Trading for:
One year

Sasha Rainey on buying an existing small business for sale...

"I wouldn't have actually bought my own business but the company I was working for went bankrupt, so I was out of a job.

"I thought the only way to get something out of this would be to start a business."

On finding a good work/life balance...

"Sometimes I take a day off but if I'm not here then I'm normally on the computer sorting out bills or something, but I have a life.

At first I was here non stop, it's a bit like having a kid

"We've been trading for 13 months now and at first I was here non stop, it's a bit like having a kid."

On expanding the business...

"I would expand but I would like to remain self sufficient and avoid outside funding.

"I'd stick to coffee but I've not decided yet whether I'm going to retain the brand throughout the rest of the business, that is if I decide to expand."

Read Small business for sale: appraising your target & independent valuations