We recently connected with Heather Hyslop and have shared our conversation below.
Heather, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I always wanted my own coffee shop. It was more of a retirement dream. I always thought I’d open it close to a university in the far future but God had other plans for me and my family. In January 2020, I was approached by another business owner about a vacant building they had to put my event coordinating company in.
After much prayer and lots of surprise turn of events, I ended up deciding to open that dream coffee shop in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, totally placing all my faith in God. By April 2020, Colorful Latte was open and BOOMING! Munford, Tipton County was so receptive to my new adventure. I found my calling. My missionary work was just beginning all over a signature latte.
It has not always been bumpy road but like like, not always super smooth either. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced along the way has been has been getting and keeping employees for more than a week at a time. They will either make or break you. You invest not just time, energy and money into people for them to be gone before they get out of training. It’s been crazy. But, I have totally let go and let God. I have not worried about anything. Therefore, there have not been any struggles. We opened in the middle of the COVID pandemic, and have not slowed down yet. He has truly watched over and blessed Colorful Latte. We have now opened a second location and about to merge the two!
Colorful Latte is a quaint little coffee shop in the heart of Munford TN that seats 18 inside and offers patio seating as well. We are most known for our Christian music playing and friendly baristas. We offer a large variety of espresso-based signature drinks, boba, smoothies, milkshakes, HUGE sundaes, hot chocolate, teas, homemade pastries, and so much more!
Our newest location is just a quaint and sweet! It’s located at 133 Munford Ave, Munford TN. Just off the main highway, we offer 3 lounge areas with dining tables and couches mix, a drive thru, and an outdoor patio. All the goodies and treats Colorful Latte offered PLUS breakfast sandwiches, homemade salad sandwiches, and salads. You won’t find fried foods at Colorful Cafe, We are focusing more on healthier options.
We offer an event called One Youth during the summer months that takes place the last Friday of each month in the parking lot of Colorful Latte. We rope off the parking lot and invite all the local youth groups to come to join us for fellowship. Now we have a really big lawn and a stage to showcase the music! It’s not one denomination or one group, it’s One Hope, One Youth, One God.
Contact Info:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @901breaktime
Facebook: @901breaktime
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been an accountant and business owner for the last 20 years. My trade came naturally to me as I love my small town and everyone in it, coffee, and Jesus. I put all my trust in the Lord to guide my footsteps. I never knew Coffee and conversation is my ministry calling!
Any advice for managing a team?
My advice to managing an amazing team is treat everyone as your equal. Know and let them know you cannot do it all without them. They are not just your employees but your TEAM. Show them the appreciation you want showed to you. If you have their backs, they’ll have yours! Pray over them. Pray for them. Be active in their lives. Treat them as your family.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Do not slack off! Post and share your business CONSTANTLY. Who cares if they have seen it on 20 other groups. Someone hasn’t seen you yet! Ask your friends and family to share your posts. Have contests within your staff. Whoever sells the most of an item or totals or brings in the most new faces etc gets a bonus of some sort. Be creative.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @901breaktime
- Facebook: @ColorfulCafe & ColorfulLatte
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