Building Kohola Coffee: A Woman's Entrepreneurial Journey
When I first envisioned Kohola Coffee, I didn't just see a business—I saw a challenge, an adventure, and ultimately, a reflection of myself. As I approach the one-year anniversary of opening my coffee cart in Kona, I wanted to share some honest reflections on what it means to build something from nothing, especially as a woman striking out on her own.
The Seeds of Entrepreneurship
Growing up around a family business provided me with a unique education. I watched my parents navigate the complexities of ownership—the long hours, difficult decisions, moments of triumph, and periods of uncertainty. Later, working for small businesses allowed me to observe different management styles and business approaches up close. These experiences became my informal business school, teaching me lessons no textbook could convey about what makes a business not just survive, but thrive. I was also able to see the mistakes.
But observing and doing are worlds apart. When I decided to create Kohola Coffee, I entered a new realm of responsibility. Suddenly, I wasn't just implementing someone else's vision—I was creating my own from scratch.
Building From the Ground Up
The journey from concept to opening day was intense and all-consuming. Every element of Kohola Coffee bears my fingerprints:
Researching and filing incorporation papers
Crafting a comprehensive business plan that would guide my decisions and secure financing
Developing a menu that would set us apart in Kona's coffee landscape
Designing a coffee trailer that would be both functional and reflect our ocean-inspired aesthetic
Creating branding that captured the spirit of what I wanted Kohola Coffee to represent
Each of these tasks demanded different skills, and I found myself constantly learning, adapting, and problem-solving. Some days I felt like an architect, others like an accountant, and still others like a creative director. Wearing all these hats simultaneously was exhausting but also exhilarating.
The Financial Reality
Let's talk about money—because financial transparency is lacking in many entrepreneurial stories, especially women's. Starting Kohola Coffee required significant capital. I combined $50,000 from my personal savings with another $50,000 from an SBA loan.
This investment covered:
Purchasing and outfitting the coffee trailer
Equipment (espresso machine, grinders, refrigeration, etc.)
Initial inventory
Permits and licensing
Insurance
Marketing and branding materials
Working capital for the first few months
Was it scary to invest my savings and take on debt? Absolutely. But understanding exactly what I needed financially and having a clear plan for those resources gave me confidence. I knew my break-even point and had projections for when I could expect to start paying myself.
The Emotional Journey
What many aspiring entrepreneurs don't realize is that starting a business is as much an emotional journey as it is a practical one. There were days when everything flowed perfectly—the weather was beautiful, customers were plentiful, and the coffee was brewing just right.
Then there were other days—days when equipment malfunctioned, when sales were slow, when paperwork piled up, and when the isolation of being the sole decision-maker felt overwhelming. On those days, I wanted nothing more than to pull the covers over my head and sleep for 24 hours straight.
As a woman business owner, I've also navigated unique challenges. There were suppliers who seemed to question my knowledge, potential partners who directed their questions to male friends accompanying me, and occasionally, customers surprised to find that I was the owner, not just an employee.
What Kept Me Going
Despite the challenges, several things sustained me through this first year:
Community support: The people of Kona have embraced Kohola Coffee with warmth and enthusiasm. I love you all.
Sense of purpose: Connecting my business to ocean conservation gives meaning to even the most mundane tasks.
Growth mindset: Each problem solved, each new skill mastered, expanded my capabilities.
Small victories: Celebrating milestones like a sales milestone, a repeat customer becoming a regular, or mastering a new coffee technique.
The joy of creation: There's something deeply satisfying about building something that reflects your values and vision.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you're considering entrepreneurship, particularly as a woman venturing out alone, here's what I've learned:
Do your homework. Research thoroughly, understand your market, and know your numbers inside and out. Knowledge builds confidence and helps you make sound decisions.
Build your network before you need it. Relationships with other business owners, suppliers, and community members will become invaluable resources. ASK THEM!
Expect the unexpected. No matter how detailed your plan, surprises will come. Cultivate adaptability.
Find your why. When things get tough, a clear sense of purpose will carry you through.
Take care of yourself. The business needs you at your best, which means setting boundaries and making time for rest and renewal.
Document everything. Keep track of what works, what doesn't, and why. This information becomes invaluable as you grow.
Be patient with yourself. You're learning multiple new skills simultaneously. Perfection isn't the goal—progress is. As my friends and family always remind me - give yourself grace.
Looking Forward
As I approach Kohola Coffee's first anniversary, I feel immense gratitude mixed with excitement for what lies ahead. This business has challenged me in ways I never expected and revealed strengths I didn't know I possessed.
To anyone—especially women—considering entrepreneurship: yes, it's hard. Yes, there will be days when you question everything. And yes, it requires significant financial investment and risk.
But if you have a clear vision, are willing to work harder than you've ever worked before, and can find joy in building something uniquely yours—it might just be the most rewarding journey of your life.
I'm here, brewing coffee and chasing dreams in Kona. If you have questions about starting your own business, financial planning, or anything about my entrepreneurial journey, stop by Kohola Coffee. I believe in open conversations about what it really takes to build a business, and I'd love to share more of what I've learned along the way.
Here's to the dreamers and doers—may your coffee be strong and your ambitions even stronger.
Do you have specific questions about starting a business? Leave a comment below or come see me at Kohola Coffee, and I'll address them in future posts about entrepreneurship.
