Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Penny Seabolt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Penny, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
As a business owner there is not one single event or incident that you show your customers appreciation and care. Customer service by far is my first priority.
Customer service is lacking in the hospitality industry. Most of the time you’re just a person.
When I started my business, I wanted to make everybody feel appreciated welcome and happy, and we have accomplished that in the five years that we’ve been in business..
I also train my staff with positivity and encouragement. It is so crucial to the generations that are coming into the workforce that they have respect, work ethic and courtesy towards their peers as well as our customers.
Customers are your backbone to your business as well as your employees, you must take care of both.
With an excellent reputation, business will follow. We have done many charity events for pre-schools, high schools, Churches, hospitals, by donating gift baskets, gift cards and Lyfe merchandise etc.
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 in this industry for over 30 years. My love for nutrition, my love for wellness and taking care of the body, is why I sell açai. I have been in the fitness industry since the early 90s. I am a trainer, master nutritionist with thousands of successful clients. I have competed in bodybuilding, the figure division, for 15 years and earned a pro card in every federation, including and retiring my career in bodybuilding, as an IFBB Figure Pro in 2017.
It all started in 2016 when I wrote a business plan for a fresh healthy kitchen. It was called the Lyfe Café Fresh Healthy Kitchen.
We were located in the Kenilworth Mall on the bottom floor across from South Moon Under. When Covid hit, despite the eight grants/loans I applied for, I did not receive any Covid government assistance. I had to give up the restaurant, but not the bills.
In July 2020, I started a mobile business; I took a portion of my restaurant, which was the juice bar, and turned it into an AWESOME Acai & Smoothie Bar! You can find us @thelyfecafe on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Sitting here in 2022, and looking back to the very first event that I did, which was pitching up the açai truck on a friend’s business’s lot on York Road hoping to make 100 bucks. It’s true. We’ve done well.
Every year has been a different business model since Covid. 2021 was different than 2020. 2021 and 2022 completely different. Businesses have had to adapt, adjust, and really try to keep the revenue flow somewhat consistent. Prices have gone up on almost everything. The restaurant industry has forever changed. Two years later, restaurants are still closing.
I haven’t been really proud of myself until now. And I have to include my husband who is just as BAD A@* as I am, if not better! Where he’s strong, I lack; where he lacks, I’m strong. It’s the perfect blend that’s ever been made. No pun intended! LOL. If that rolled over anyone’s head, we blend smoothies :)
What sets us apart is we don’t blend our açai with sugary fruit juices, animal milks or plant milks. It’s açai in its natural state. In my eyes, the way it should be!
Come give us a try, we will make you a #Lyfer!
Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?
I bought a franchise. I was within the franchise for two years three years before learning of weaknesses and cracks in the franchisor. I love the business model, it was a healthy concept that came out of the West Coast. I wanted to bring the health and vibe of the West Coast to the East Coast.
The acquisition process was quite lengthy. A number of phone calls, a number of interviews, a number of trips across the United States. We traveled to Utah, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania. We spent a considerable amount of time in each location, learning the business and meeting people within the industry. I can definitely tell you what not to do in a franchise. I didn’t receive the $45,000 that was given to the franchisor, but I am forever grateful for that knowledge that I gained.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What I think helped me build my reputation within the market is being honest. Also with being honest is being a good person. Showing gratitude, showing supreme customer service, knowing people by their names. These things matter.
The only reason I am in business right now, sitting here in 2022 , is because of my customers. They deserve the absolute best!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lyfeacai.com
- Instagram: @thelyfecafe
- Facebook: @thelyfecafe
- Other: TikTok @thelyfecafe
Image Credits
Juliana White Photography