Joaquín Herrera always had a dream: Owning his own business. Like any good entrepreneur knew that his wish would come true, but for getting ready he needed to study and gain some experience. Today, Joaquín owns a Latin restaurant where he can combine his passions: Colombian coffee and business.
Joaquin came to Australia in 2000, while the Olympic Games were running in Sydney. In those years he did not have enough studies to start his business, but nothing stopped him. He studied cooking courses at TAFE and free courses on how to start businesses.
After working several years in cafes of the city, Joaquin decided to start her own business offering Colombian coffee and food. "I made a business plan, started searching the place to start my Latin restaurant, finally I found a local, I called them and I started my business". Joaquín says that he started his business selling just coffee because he realized that Australians are big consumers, was a large market that should be seized, and subsequently, over the years, was offering Latin food.
To start a business is required to have three aspects, according to Joaquín Herrera:
Have a positive mind. There will be always obstacles to starting a business, but there are solutions.
Be disciplined. Joaquin restaurant opens every day from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm. This has been maintained since 2011.
Education. Joaquin took cooking classes and businesses in the TAFE.
As the owner of his own business, he says that feels satisfaction because through his business has the opportunity of helping students and Latin community. Furthermore, he is trying to push young people to continue their studies.
Everything made in Colombia
A particular feature of his coffee is having handmade toys made by women from Colombia. Cloth dolls that give a magical touch, all clients feel within a fairy tale when entering the business. So visitors feel a homely atmosphere. "The women who made the dolls cried when I told them that I would bring them to Australia" and now are part of the personality of the business.
Muñecos elaborados a mano por mujeres colombianas. Source: Evelyn Herrera
