Business that brewed from love of coffee

angus: Kathryn Baker and her partners make bucks from beans

Kathryn Baker and her business partners, brother Ian and Jamie Simpson, set up Sacred Grounds Coffee Company last year after the self-confessed coffee junkies felt there was a gap in the Angus market for artisan coffee roasters.

Q How and why did you start in business?

A Sacred Grounds Coffee Company started because we love coffee. Ian had been learning to roast at home courtesy of Jamie who is an experienced roaster and after we got chatting we realised that Angus was missing out on great artisan coffee. We spent months finding the right space for us, and setting up Fatima, our 5kg Toper Roaster before we launched late last year. Our aim is to roast premium, high quality and ethically sourced green coffee beans to the highest standard we can, creating what we hope is the best coffee our customers have ever tasted.

Q How did you get to where you are today?

A I worked in the museum sector after studying in that field but I’ve always wanted to be part of the food and drink industry. I’ve always loved and been enthused by small food and drink producers as I love the commitment and passion they have for their products. So 20 years ago I sidestepped into the hospitality sector, owning a cafe and a baking/catering business.

Q Who has helped you along the way?

A Without the help of our friends and family, especially my dad who has a long history of success in business, we couldn’t have set up Sacred Grounds. Along with this, the support we have had from Business Gateway has been terrific. Despite my business background, I felt external advice could only be beneficial which it was. Our adviser, Donna Williamson, has been a huge help and the free workshops Business Gateway run give guidance on every element of running a business so I could refresh my skills and learn new ones at the same time.

Q What was your biggest mistake?

A Not knowing the real costs involved in running my first business. I dismissed the importance of the financial side of business, but now appreciate that finance is the centre of every business.

Q What is your greatest achievement to date?

A Personally, going back to university as a mature student and gaining my Masters in American history last year.

Q What do you hope to achieve in the future?

A I’d like to extend the coffee offering we have, have the luxury of making it profitable and ultimately grow so we are a roaster who commands respect within the wider coffee world.

Q Do you want to recruit in the future?

A Yes.

Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?

A Time management and getting the balance right between work and life.

Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

A Know your costs and your finances inside out. Seek advice from Business Gateway, it’s a fantastic resource for anyone in business. And, don’t forget to leave the business behind for a bit and do things for yourself too.