We were lucky to catch up with Katy Ripp recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Katy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
I lead with heart.
In a world where fear-based leading and where staff are sometimes viewed as the enemy, or the toughest part of business ownership, I believe quite the opposite. I have been able to use one of my superpowers to attract amazing team members who WANT to see us succeed, love being a part of a community-driven enterprise. I take time to get to know each staff member, their likes and dislikes, what motivates them and then reward accordingly.
Some examples:
REI gift certificate for an Italian hiking trip
New Nike shoes when two staff members spilled coffee on theirs
Money put toward gym memberships
Donations for sports fundraisers
Football tickets for new college student
Katy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Within the past five years I have bought and operated 5 successful businesses; a specialty cut flower farm/CSA, a wine bar and event venue, a busy neighborhood coffeeshop and an ice cream and candy store. With this knowledge and experience I found my passion in helping other small business owners build confidence to pursue their dreams of owning a business or leveling up a current business.
I am a lifestyle coach and business mentor that believes whole-heartedly in the law of attraction and the power of authenticity. Leading with heart is the name of my game and showing others we CAN do things differently.
I have a podcast called #ActuallyICan where we talk about doing things bravely and without apology, whether that’s surviving the death of loved one, bailing ourselves out of debt, taking control of our nutrition or homeschooling our kids.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I got sober.
After decades of drinking too much wine I decided to quit drinking whilst owning a wine bar. Drinking was such a part of my social and professional life but it was creating an issue with my health and relationships. I finally decided I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I got brave, put up some boundaries and quit.
It’s changed everything for me. My businesses got better, my relationships improved, I cut out people and things that were no longer serving me.
EVERYTHING got better.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
We are very involved in the community and give back exclusively to our the people in it. We have strict policies regarding who and what causes we give to so that our customers know their money is going to stay here.
Contact Info:
- Website: katyripp.com / crossroadscoffeehouse.net/ creeksidescoop.com
- Instagram: @katyripp
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/katy.ripp
- Linkedin: @katyripp
- Other: https://feeds.captivate.fm/hashtagactuallyican/
Image Credits
Ember & Birch Photography
Courtney Terry Photography