Kidd’s Beach couples’ start-up businesses turn into sweet success
Two Kidd’s Beach couples have managed to overcome the odds and turn their hobbies into successful business ventures.
For Kidd’s Beach resident Estie Gane, her business had humble beginnings.
“We started Ginger & Co Coffee Bar, Bakery & Deli in 2014 as an online frozen foods business, operating from our home in Kidd’s Beach,” she said.
Gane runs the business with her husband Benji, with the couple having operated out of their Frere Road premises since August 2020.
“We have counters full of grab-and-go savoury sweet pastries with a small breakfast and lunch menu and a few daily specials,” she said.
For Gane, running a start-up business has been a big challenge.
“We took a few wrong turns along the way, but never gave up and in the process learnt some serious entrepreneurial grit.”
The outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic also hit the company hard.
“Covid-19 of course threw a complete curveball in that we had to give up our premises in Bowls Road and either close our business permanently or find a new location and try make it work elsewhere in a very uncertain time.
“Signing a new lease in the middle of hard lockdown was terrifying to say the least.
“What felt like a devastating blow to us initially turned into our biggest triumph when we found the perfect location for all the new plans we had.”
Despite the challenges, Gane said she still enjoys what she does.
“When you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
“We get to live our passion for good food and coffee every day,” she said.
“What we enjoy most about running our business at the moment is the amazing team we work with and the customers who we see daily.
“Being across the road from Selborne Primary creates a buzzing energy about our shop with children and parents in and out all the time.
“Though the commute from Kidd’s Beach and back every day can be challenging at times, we wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Meanwhile, back in Kidd’s Beach, across the road from Kidd’s Beach Primary School is a single black shipping crate that stands out among the other buildings on that road.
It is in this shipping crate that Peter Monaghan and his wife Liezl run Lila’s Coffee, Bread and Cake.
“We opened on November 20 so we’re relatively new,”
Peter told reporters during a visit last week.
Monaghan said the idea to open the shop grew from his own interest in cooking.
“I’ve always had a few hobbies like making sourdough bread, relishes and things like that.
“I wasn’t working on them full-time because I’m an attorney by profession, it was just a hobby.”
Fast forward to today and Peter now runs his coffee stall seven days a week with Liezl, who also works full-time as a director at Clark Lain Inc, helping with the baking and running the store over the weekends.
In addition to coffee, Peter also offers a collection of sourdough bread and relishes which he makes himself.
“We make most of the things we sell,” he said.
Having worked previously as an attorney, Monaghan said running his store was easier in comparison.
“It’s been pretty hassle-free. “I suppose from working in the stressful environment of an attorney practice, this is not all that stressful.”
He added that he was grateful for the support they’d received from the local community.
“The community has been excellent, they’ve supported us well.
“Over December the holidaymakers supported us, and so did people from out of town.”
Liezl said she loved the creativity that came with running the store.
“Peter and I love good coffee and good food.
“It’s been incredible to see our little dream come into fruition and bear fruit.
“Our simple offerings bring much joy to our kind and loyal customers.
“The community has been very kind to us. We are incredibly grateful and have learnt and are learning much.”