Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Kimbrough. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, you first have to define what success means to you. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it varies for each person. Success could be achieving time freedom, financial independence, or mental and spiritual peace. It might mean reducing stress, being able to operate remotely, or simply having the freedom to take breaks whenever you like.

Once you have a clear definition, it’s essential to set metrics in your life that align with this vision. These metrics help you track progress and check off each achieved goal, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment. For me, success means taking an idea from my imagination and bringing it to life. The journey itself, with all its starts, stops, pivots, financial hurdles, personal or family challenges, and high and low seasons, is what I consider the path to success.

In my experience, execution—no matter the journey—is success. I’ve seen success time and again, even if it means starting over or beginning something new. Checking things off my to-do list is a part of this process. To answer the question of what it takes to be successful: it requires everything you’ve got. You have to be prepared for unforeseen challenges, whether they involve blood, sweat, tears, sleepless nights, or sacrificing personal time.

True work-life balance is often elusive. Some days, life may demand 60%, and work only 40%, and on others, it might be the reverse. But every day that I overcome the obstacles before me and move a step closer to the bigger picture, I consider it a success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alexis Kimbrough, founder of Herban Soul Café and a passionate advocate for holistic wellness and community connection. I was born and raised in Selma, Alabama, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from the University of West Alabama. My journey to this industry has been anything but traditional; I’ve navigated careers in mental health, customer service, personal training, and family preservation, all of which have shaped my approach to wellness and community engagement.

I created Herban Soul Café as a space that blends my love for herbal teas, healthy and flavorful cuisine, and a soulful, welcoming atmosphere. Our café is rooted in the belief that food and drink can be both healing and enjoyable, and we aim to provide our customers with a variety of options that support a healthy lifestyle. From our signature herbal tea blends that target specific health needs to our freshly prepared grab-and-go meals and pastries, everything we offer is crafted with intention and care.

What sets Herban Soul Café apart is our dedication to not only providing delicious and healthy food and beverages but also fostering a community centered around holistic wellness. We collaborate with local farmers and artisans, like Bridging the Gap Coffee Company and Sachi Tea Company, to offer a farm-to-table experience. We also host mental health and wellness workshops, cultural experiences, and are deeply involved in supporting local businesses and farmers markets.

One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced is limited access to commercial kitchen space, which has impacted our ability to produce some of our more innovative products. Despite these hurdles, I’m proud to say we’ve maintained our commitment to quality and community.

I’m most proud of the impact Herban Soul Café has had on our community. We’ve been able to create a space that feels like home for so many people, and we’ve managed to do it debt-free, with hard work and the support of our incredible team and customers.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that Herban Soul Café is more than just a café; it’s a lifestyle brand that embodies wellness, creativity, and community. We’re committed to providing products and experiences that nourish not just the body, but also the mind and soul. Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of tea, joining one of our wellness workshops, or exploring our range of wellness products, we strive to make every interaction with Herban Soul Café meaningful and enriching.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Three books that have significantly shaped my journey of entrepreneurship are Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf, No Excuses! by Brian Tracy, and Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. I read them in that order, and I believe they are crucial for any entrepreneur, especially those just starting out.

Chop Wood Carry Water teaches the importance of falling in love with the process and embracing the journey of becoming great. It helped me understand that true success comes from consistent, disciplined actions over time, and that falling in love with the day-to-day grind is essential for long-term achievement.

No Excuses! by Brian Tracy emphasizes the power of self-discipline in every aspect of life. This book taught me the necessity of holding myself accountable and eliminating excuses, which is vital when you’re an entrepreneur with complete freedom but also complete responsibility for your success or failure.

Finally, Blue Ocean Strategy provides a strategic approach to making the competition irrelevant by creating unique value in your industry. It encouraged me to think outside the box, focus on innovation, and carve out a niche where Herban Soul Café can stand out and thrive.

These books together form a comprehensive guide for any entrepreneur: first, fix your mindset; second, eliminate excuses; and third, set yourself apart in your industry. Whether you’re offering a product or a service, these principles are foundational for success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant pivot in my entrepreneurial journey came when I decided to transform the concept of Herban Soul Café. Originally, I envisioned it as a full-service restaurant. However, after carefully considering the market, costs, and community needs, I realized that a smaller, more intimate café focused on grab-and-go options and herbal tea offerings would better align with my resources and the demand in my area.

This shift wasn’t easy. It required me to reimagine the entire business model, from the physical space and menu to the customer experience. I had to let go of the initial dream of a full-service dining experience and focus instead on creating a unique, holistic wellness café that could serve the community in a more impactful way.

This pivot turned out to be the right move. It allowed us to build a loyal customer base, create a more manageable operation, and stay true to our mission of providing healthy, flavorful food and beverages. The experience taught me the importance of flexibility and listening to both the market and my intuition. It was a lesson in embracing change and making strategic decisions, even when it means letting go of the original plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.herbansoulcafe.com
• Instagram: @herbansoulcafe
• Facebook: @herbansoulcafe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbansoulcafe