We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kawana Jefferson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kawana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My mom is my number one hero. My mother has instilled all of the qualities within me that lend itself to being a successful entrepreneur. My mother was a single mother of three children. She received her masters in social work, while working full-time and raising me and my siblings alone. She instilled in me the understanding of hard work, she demonstrated discipline and many core values that continue to impact me in business.
Kawana, 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?
My name is Kawana I graduated from high school and attended Virginia State University. I joined the National Guard in my freshman year to earn money to attend college and to serve my country. While away at school, I joined a sorority- Delta Sigma Theta, and became a member of a world recognized organization whose principles are built on sisterhood and community service. I worked my way through college bartending and waitressing and after four years, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I went on to attend graduate school earning a Master’s in School Psychology. Shortly thereafter I went into real estate purchasing my first investment property at the age of 27. This however did not fully satisfied my entrepreneurial endeavors, which inspired me to open a business in 2016. Ive always loved working with people and serving others so it was natural for me to want to embark in a bar/restaurant of my own. Currently I am co owner of Sweet Catch Brooklyn and Sweet Brooklyn bar. Both locations offer food, cocktails and an inclusive atmosphere that promotes networking, socializing and community. Many locals in our community are appreciative for the kinds of small businesses we have added to the neighborhood. They are grateful they don’t have to travel far for a great dining experience and have options within their community. We are proud to be providing businesses that promote inclusion, representation and diversity in a much needed society.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The initial capital for my business came mostly by way of loans. I have always been diligent and responsible with finances and have always maintained an excellence credit score and good financial habits. These qualities had lent itself to having the framework for a good candidate for lending. I was able to secure an SBA loan that required me to inject 20% of the total loan amount into the start up cost. I find that although many people are scared or reluctant to use loans for start up projects, it was not an option for me and allowed me to start business with an advantage having the funds that I needed to set me up for success.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2020 during the pandemic was a difficult time for many business owners. Prior to the pandemic, business and the economy were on an upward trajectory and my business in particular was doing very well. Once the pandemic hit and the world came to a halt, it forced me to have a resiliency and fostered my ability to adopt with any circumstance in the name of staying open. There were many unknowns during that time period. Resilience is by far one of the most beneficial qualities a business owner could possess. I find that I have to demonstrate resiliency as a business owner almost daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetcatchbk.com
- Instagram: sweetcatchbk
- Facebook: sweet catch bk
- Yelp: Sweet Catch