Tell us about yourself?
I’m James, 31 years old, an active gym-goer, and a passionate foodie who loves exploring London’s best restaurants. I have worked in the coffee industry for 10 years, and own an e-commerce coffee business, and can even make latte art patterns in my coffee!
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
That you need tonnes of money or to seek investment to build a business. To get started in the early days you need two things. 1. knowledge/skills 2. Investment of time. Doing and executing is more important than thinking of the perfect idea. You can get help from people along the way and iterate as you go.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
I’d give myself the advice of trusting in the process, eventually, your knowledge compounds to the point where you begin to build serious momentum
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
My ability to keep adapting and evolve in uncomfortable circumstances and my tenacity to keep going when everything seems like it isn’t working.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Outsourcing repetitive tasks and staying up to date with evolving technology and software.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
The inspiration for Eating In London came from the insight of my time in the social media world as a food blogger, combined with the knowledge of owning an e-commerce coffee business and understanding consumer psychology.
Where do you see your business in five years?
A go-to and well-known consumer recommendations platform that inspires the choices of hundreds of thousands of Londoners and provides them value through a membership.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
The biggest challenges we face are scaling up our team, our operations and systems, and of financial resources as I’m self-funded.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
My biggest success story so far was creating two online businesses after my original business idea and plan were wiped out due to the impact of Covid-19. I had to think fast when the pandemic hit and launched a business in areas I lacked any experience or direct skills.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
My background is sales as I headed up a sales team for a coffee machine brand. We use online methods to acquire customers although there is some online face-to-face sales involved.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Surround yourself with others who have already achieved what you seek. Both from a practical skill level and advice and experience. You’ll save time and money in the process.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Personally, in 2022 I’m looking to gain time freedom and financial freedom. In business, to inspire more people with the content we put out and the products we provide.
