Claudette Smith: Brewing success…

Claudette Smith’s career path to becoming a franchise owner is an inspiring tale of passion, persistence, and preparation. After years of working for others, she decided to take the plunge, following her lifelong dream of owning her own coffee shop, a Shift Espresso Bar franchise in Observatory, Cape Town. She gives us a peek into her journey, the mindset shifts she was forced to make, and the lessons learned along the way.

Before opening your Shift Espresso Bar franchise, what was your career path like?

Before diving into franchising, I had spent several years as general manager at Col’Cacchio Pizzeria while at the same time working as a sales agent at Pam Golding Properties – for eight years. My career in both hospitality and real estate gave me the experience and skills to make my dream of owning a coffee shop a reality. It had always been a passion of mine, and it felt like the right time to make it happen.

Was entrepreneurship always on your radar, or did it find you along the way?

Entrepreneurship has always been in my sights. Although my journey in real estate and hospitality helped me build a solid foundation, the goal of being my own boss and running a café had always been part of the plan.

How did you prepare for the transition into franchising, and what advice would you give to others considering it?

I took the time to learn about the operational side of the business, the support structures in place, and the financials that come with it. I also reached out to other franchisees for guidance. My advice to anyone considering franchising is simple: do your homework, fully understand the franchise model, and ensure your values align with the brand. It’s a lot of hard work, but the rewards are well worth it.

What was it about Shift Espresso Bar that made you say, ‘This is the business I want to invest in’?

I’ve had a close relationship with the franchise since its second store opened, and I’d watched the brand grow over the years. I’ve always wanted to be part of that journey. Yes, there will be challenges, especially since it’s a newer brand, but I’m excited to contribute to its growth and tackle those challenges head-on. I see a lot of potential and am eager to help bring it to the next level.

Did you have any mentors or business influencers who helped guide your decision?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had some wonderful mentors throughout my career, particularly in hospitality and real estate. Their insights have been invaluable. They’ve helped me navigate the challenges of business ownership and guided me in making the right decisions. I’ve made a point of keeping them involved in my journey, learning from their experiences and applying those lessons as I manage my franchise today.

What are some of the mindset shifts you had to make in order to step into business ownership?

Transitioning into business ownership required a significant shift in mindset on various fronts:

• Employee to entrepreneur: I had to take full responsibility and make decisions independently.
• Risk to opportunity: I learned to view risks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
• Long-term focus: My focus shifted towards sustainability and planning for the future.
• Self-discipline: Without a boss, I had to hold myself accountable and stay disciplined.
• Delegation: I had to trust my team and empower them to help drive the business forward.
• Growth zone: I embraced discomfort as part of the process of growing, both personally and professionally.

Every entrepreneur has a ‘trial by fire’ moment – what was yours?

My “trial by fire” came early on when I had to manage a team of 50 staff members as the GM at Col’Cacchio. At the time, I was also venturing into real estate, and my first pitch for a sole mandate had me feeling nervous and unsure. But pushing through those moments of doubt taught me more than just the technical side of business. It taught me trust, persistence, and the power of believing in myself. That experience was crucial in shaping who I am today, both as a business owner and as an individual.