A day in the life of a Jersey entrepreneur – Ella & Drew Locke
Ella & Drew Locke – Owners, Locke’s Stories
What makes you spring out of bed in the morning?
Knowing that we are lucky enough to have made our dream a reality. Creating … both coffee and plates that excite people and being a space for people in Jersey to enjoy and share the experience with family and friends.
What does your normal day look like?
6:30am start to get the pastries in the oven – set up counter and dial in coffee machine – serve – put orders through, clear tables, make coffee – get ready for lunch service – serve – tills – make coffee – make sure everything is operating as it should be – deal with any issues/complaints – answer emails – ensure our social media is covered – start to close down and get everything ready for the next day – clean – cash up tills – write our end of day report – answer any emails –organise rota – sleep well.
How did you get to where you are today?
A lot of hard work, determination, but most importantly we had a vision that we believed in – when you have that as a focus you are always striving to reach your goals.
What couldn’t you live your life without?
Each other – being husband and wife and business partners has been an invaluable support for each other. Being able to discuss and smooth out any issues and to rely on each other to be there to support throughout the process. And both believing and sharing in the same vision.
Which outsiders (professional services, investors, mentors, family etc.) have been most important to the success of your business?
Our families, for both business advice and all round support, The National Trust for Jersey for accepting our proposal, providing us with a building so rich in character and history, embracing our vision and giving lots of hands on help to achieve it, Jersey Business for the introductions to the National Trust for Jersey and the practical courses they offer and guidance when we need it, JACS has been great to go to for contractual and legal advice, Nathan Birch who was the Site Manager at the time for Camerons and was very helpful with building advice and support re the works that needed completing.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding staff, obtaining a 3rd Category Alcohol License and representing ourselves in court which was a daunting experience but very rewarding in the end, finding the right balance to ensure that we use our time and energy wisely to move the business forward and sustain where we have got Locke’s to today…. still a work in progress J
What advice would you give to your younger self before embarking on your business journey?
Stay true to what you believe in and listen and trust your gut instinct…. stay hungry and dream dig…and just start…there is always going to be obstacles, the quicker you get to them…the quicker you pass them and the faster you get moving forward.
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