Krimson Black wears many hats.  She is not only a new mom, but the owner of The Krimson Kafe, which this year celebrates its thirteenth year in business.   She helps out with everything from making  sandwiches to stocking the fridge. Read how Krimson pulled it all together, and perhaps it will help you plant the seeds of your own business dreams.

Melissa:  What made you decide to start your own business?

Krimson: I moved out west after graduating from Oconee County High School.  After having experienced the west coast for a while I moved back to Oconee.   I had no idea what to do when I got back home.  I realized that then there were very few options to eat lunch in Oconee.  I found myself always going to Athens.  From there the idea just grew... 

Melissa:  What made you decide to open a sandwich shop?

Krimson:  I grew up working at the then Jacks Food Mart, and when I moved back  there was a vacant spot next door.  At that time there were only a couple of options for places to eat, especially lunch places.  So I had a grand idea to open a place where people could get something simple yet fresh and sandwiches were the perfect thing!

Melissa:  What did you do before you had your own business?

Krimson: Well, I started my business when I was 19-years-old, so my resume was not great.  I had worked in a few restaurants, a health food store, and a grocery store. 

Melissa:  Many people fund their new businesses with savings,  from proceeds of selling property or stocks, or prepare a business plan and approach a bank or investors with their proposal.  Which avenue did you take?

Krimson:  I actually used most of my savings from my jobs previously.  I also had to go to the bank with a business plan as well.  Thankfully,  I kept the operation simple and the bank actually loaned me enough for my start-up costs.  

Melissa:  Tell me about your support system  --parents, friends, significant other-- and a little about the roles they play in your ability to have your own business.

Krimson: When I first opened, it was all friends and family.  They were the [support] system!  We made all the tables, the bar, tiled the floor, painted, made sandwich names...you name it.    I could not have done it with out them.  As far as now, the support from my continued loyal customers plays a huge role.   

Melissa:  Tell me a little about the role insurance plays in your business.  A lot of entrepreneurs are held back by fears about providing health insurance.

Krimson:  Unfortunately, I do not offer health insurance to my employees  at this time.  Hopefully insurance will become more affordable for everyone one day,  especially for  small businesses with very few full-time employees.

Melissa: Do you have any regrets or would you do anything differently?

Krimson:  No, not really.  I sometimes dream of a little bigger kitchen and, of course, a bigger parking lot!  I love what I do and keeping it simple has really worked for me.

Melissa:  How long do you plan to do this?

Krimson: I have a one-year-old now, so hopefully for a long time to come.  

Melissa:  Is there advice you want to share with people who may be interested in starting their own business? 

Krimson:  Hard work goes a long  long way!

We hope these stories inspire you to take that step you may have been considering, branch out, and be your own boss.