New Business Depression + Entrepreneurial Struggles | Coffee Shop Ownership One Year Later

[@Tismar10]

you're brave to share these feelings with the world. thank ou

[@skylerkelley1718]

Hey Chris. This was great to watch. I'm in the process of opening my DC based coffeeshop (scheduled to open March 2021) and I have sooo many emotions going on - all different from what I THOUGHT I would feel. It can get very depressing and hard, but I have learned that when you love it and you're hungry for it, it's less "scary" and more just exhilarating. Thank you so much for sharing this...even if it was three years ago hahaha

[@charlisarogers7540]

How is everything going so far?

[@antonismavritsakis4162]

It takes some big cojones to expose yourself and your inner thoughts like that! Totally useful for me Respect✌🙏

[@orangecactuscoffee]

Antonis Mavritsakis agreed!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Antonis, I appreciate that!

[@ezkid1987]

Thanks for the insight Chris. I've been following you for a little bit now on youtube/and other social media outlets and you are a big role model for me in speciality coffee, but more so, as a big role model for me as a person. I've been working in coffee for only 2 years but I do have a dream of owning a shop one day, and watching your videos and listening to you and Jared on the podcast weekly give me so much insights. I think the reason I relate to you and your philosophy has a lot to do with your discussion in this video about empowering your employees. Seeing a lot of owners doing the opposite makes me realize that a lot of baristas eventually leave speciality coffee or their jobs because some environments just don't let them feel like they can succeed even when putting in maximum effort, for a myriad of reasons. So whether I own a shop or be a manager of a shop one day, my main goal is to mirror a lot of what you and Cat&Cloud do for your employees and improving their outlook on life and improve their chance for success. Sorry for the long post, but keep on keeping on! I look forward to your next video!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much for the kind words Chin. It's hard to make a career in coffee as it takes a lot of extra effort on the owners end to make sure you take care of the people around you and not just get lost in the wild world of business ownership. It's worth it in every way though - I wish you well on your journey and thanks for being awesome!

[@cujero]

I just opened my business today after a years worth of struggles. Seeing this was very comforting in a way. I feel like I’m not the only one anymore. I feel that if pure your heart and soul into this, you won’t necessarily love what you get at first and one day you just wake up are realize you’re living the dream. thank you for your prospective a year into this. Makes me appreciate the slight bitterness of the coffee I’m drinking :-)

[@RealChrisBaca]

That's real talk! You're definitely not alone - I think this feeling is way more common than most people care to admit so hopefully by opening up we can encourage other people to open up and then we can really help each other.

[@cujero]

Thank you for bring it up, this really is something no one talks about. I feel like people try and make it look like its the coolest job in the world but this could easily break the strongest of people.

[@jessmode389]

Damn... I’m opening a shop in just a few weeks and it’s been crazy stressful I’ve felt like I was in to deep and kinda stuck in my own head hating life and questioning if I was doing the right thing. Really needed to hear this Chris. Thanks!

[@finnabinnaconna9836]

Jesse Martin 👍 I feel ya.

[@RealChrisBaca]

It's real man - stay strong. Give it some work and give it some time then report back. Glad I could help get you through the bumps!

[@Cherokie89]

How are things going for you one year later?

[@JacobSalamon]

Great video, Chris. I experienced super similar feelings starting and running my own business. It’s those spurts of personal growth and striving early on that feel great, and when you arrive at the ‘destination’ - when working toward something stops - it’s depressing and painful. But once you realize there’s more striving, more work to be done, there’s a slow release of that depression. And I agree that once the team grows beyond the founders and starts to take a life of its own, becoming a place that your people AND yourself love to be part of, then you can stand back and feel incredibly proud of what you’re building. In my short experience, the act of growing is what give us lasting happiness, far more more than reaching a goal or finishing what we start. Congratulations on your business, and bigger congratulations on building a place that’s awesome and that brings you and your people joy!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Agreed - the growth is the magic, and it's so hard to appreciate that process when we're so focused on "making it."

[@david.pelligra]

Love your thoughts on owning a coffee shop! I'm in the process of figuring out my coffee shop plan and I can't tell you how much this video has just helped me. Thanks Chris!

[@xsaltypeach]

Have you figured it out? ;)

[@gerardosalas9477]

I wouldn’t care if the vibe of my business is not the vibe of my wildest dream, as long as it’s profitable.

[@OperaLover84]

Just watching this in 2019, but awesome vid, Chris! As someone who is working towards opening my own coffee shop in the near future, this was really great to hear, and I'll file it away for when I surely will feel something similar. And super glad to hear that your mood about the whole thing turned positive eventually. That's very encouraging! :)

[@jonascampos1895]

Respect Cris! I can see this in coffee shops that have low staff turnover and the embracing and the assimilation of the company's culture is a crucial point that makes everybody involved in the process (employer-employee-customer) happy! Well done for building such an awesome business! Can't wait till I've the chance to visit.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Jonas! We got your back if you come through SC!

[@payattention161]

Thanks Chris. This is amazing! I’m opening my shop in Toronto, and I have the feeling too! Hope we will one day meet.

[@RealChrisBaca]

If I ever happen to make it to East Coast Canada!

[@henmaniac]

Very interesting Chris. We just opened our second coffee shop in London and I agree,its never plain sailing. You clearly have a good product and a strong vision, and I would say these things should be enough to make your journey a good one. We found that just keeping the faith in what you're doing often leads to the right place,and it seems you have had a similar experience.as you know,there are no shortcuts. Its just a massive amount of work and dedication. Congrats on your first anniversary and keep up the good work!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much for the kind words! No shortcuts indeed. Congrats on number two in London - from what I hear it seems like the scene is ever expanding there.

[@AaronM4C]

I appreciate the no bs approach that everyone wants but no one gives keep on being you bro

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks Aaron I feel that - thanks for the love!

[@palacecoffee]

Keep killing it!!! This is so true. You are great at introspection and knowing how to share from a genuine place. Thanks for putting yourself out there for all of us.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Patrick - I appreciate the love my man!

[@ZackTrunzo]

Thanks for making these videos Chris. Every upload you make can turn a bad day into a good one. It’s nice to see someone with a similar drive for coffee as myself on KZbin. Keep killing it bro!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Zack I appreciate that so much - I'll do my best to keep the good days flowing!

[@anayansisanchez7783]

Just found this video and laughed in solidarity so many times! Loved what you said about employees owning the culture and vision you set for the organization. You should write a book or something.

[@javedmower4091]

Hi Chris. I stumbled across your channel whilst searching for instructional videos regarding espresso preparation. This video couldn't have come at a better time. I have always had a dream to open my own espresso bar however haven't had the nerve to leave my typical corporate life in fear of the risks involved. I love your vibe and approach to a journey with telling the real side as opposed to the typical lip service most new business owners give telling everyone everything is perfect, which makes me question their authenticity. I just wanted to send kudos your way from here in Aus and will be sure to head to your shop if we head to Santa Cruz in the future (my partner is from LA so we head back to CA quite often). Wish you all the best. Javed.

[@ryansmith4864]

Thanks Chris, it's never easy, but always worth it! Keep rolling!!!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks Ryan - I will!

[@rodinasmolikova]

Thank you Chris, very inspiring video. Cheers

[@jamesong1091]

You’ve built an amazing brand Chris, keep the dream going strong.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thank you James!

[@JWomack]

Good stuff man. Like most things it's a evolution, but it's good to hear real talk. Cheers for the chat at the Breville booth at NY Coffee Fest!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Absolutely my man, any time!

[@hamburger-fries]

Great video! I actually learned about your channel from the video about buying a commercial roaster. I was born and raised in Santa Cruz and lived most of my growing up years in Pleasure Point (33rd Ave). Now I live in Japan and it's really great to see your progress with Cat & Cloud.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Damn you were right around the corner! I'm slightly jealous of your Japan life - it's one of the places on my need to get there asap list!

[@shoegazer8585]

Phenomenal video, as always. Maybe you can make a series of these great insights into creating/marketing your business? Even short, minute long videos would be great every so often. Either way, thank you for the great content. You inspire people like me, with dreams of opening a shop, to keep plowing forward.

[@marciomartignoni2460]

shoegazer Make yours my words! This would be so helpful!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thank you for the kind words. I seriously want to do this, but for some reason whenever I sit down to make a short, simple video it gets out of hand and ends up being a huge ramble. I will try though - you're inspiring me!

[@mzerinskas]

Thanks for your honesty, Chris!

[@RealChrisBaca]

You're so welcome Michael - thanks for watching!

[@MrTetedefouine]

Great video! Been in that position too. External forces impact your business either in a good ways or one you didn't want. Adapt to survive ! ✌️

[@alyxnugent5024]

I loved this! Thank you so much for sharing. Exactly what I needed to hear.

[@thetravelguy8461]

I've been running a business for 11 years now from my house. I'm able to support my wife and 3 kids by the grace of God. However...being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. Like life...there are Good Times and Bad Times. Every business owner struggles with thoughts of fear, anxiety, and sometimes even depression. The key is to pray...be humble...have good intentions...fill your mind with positive materials...continuous learning...try to eat healthier...spend time outdoors...and work your ass off. Just my personal opinion. I know everyone is built different, but thought I'd share a part of my life if anybody cares to read this comment. lol

[@Onlinesully]

Michael Tran your comment is hugely helpful. Wish i had talked to somebody like you years ago. And I might have understood these basic points cause i didn't.

[@Onlinesully]

Michael Tran By the way, what is the business you run ? do you have a lot of hone space to run it ?

[@mitchellcanyoncoffeeroaste3838]

love watching your vids! definitely inspiring, thanks Chris!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Brody. I appreciate that!

[@mariareyes9088]

Pass out fliers, and have this event, start out singing, and on the flier put down that IT'S GOING TO BE KAREOKE NIGHT, then make sure you make a thousand fliers

[@stevenarthy897]

Congrats on your first year Chris, seems like you achieved a whole lot in a short space of time! Big ups on the vulnerable share, it's good to hear that you have had your struggles as well as your victories 🤙

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Steven. It's scary sometimes but I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@Farmboygraphics]

After 16 years of running my business the same thoughts creep in. I'm the sole owner, not sure if I could share the reins with anyone else. No, no I couldn't :-) Love watching your videos...Thank you.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much. Yeah sharing isn't for everyone! It was reeeeeeal hard for me at first. ^__^

[@Rockstarmama310]

I love the realness you project; continue being transparent I learn through your videos a lot! You the man!! 🤘🏽😎🤘🏽

[@znre02]

You inspired me in every possible way as a barista. Keep posting video I really love your content.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Ernie, I appreciate the love my man. I'll try not to let you down!

[@thecoolbluemeerkat1114]

Straight honesty, gracias

[@RealChrisBaca]

you're so very welcome

[@edrunyon9847]

Thanks for the vid Chris! I am working on starting a wholesale coffee roastery! Been a pro photographer for years now and started falling in love with coffee a few years ago. Would love some tips if you have any!

[@morphiasas]

Struggles r real but Good Vibes r more important! Thnx @Chris!

[@RealChrisBaca]

That's what's up!

[@isaac-hecker]

Thanks for the transparency!

[@RealChrisBaca]

You're so welcome Isaac!

[@volkan.demircan]

Very helpful! Thank you Chris.

[@RealChrisBaca]

^__^ Thanks Volkan!

[@orangecactuscoffee]

Thanks for sharing Chris! Very helpful.

[@RealChrisBaca]

You're so very welcome!

[@nickmcpherson44]

This is crazy valuable insight! You staying hella true! 🔥👌

[@malwills8899]

Big respect for this video

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks Mal!

[@chetoos008]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for never fearing to share what we all feel. Positive vibes brother.

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks so much Omar ^__^

[@stephaunmarshall9360]

Great content bro..keep going

[@davidarkshob2612]

This is your best video

[@acbsjr]

I totally feel you bud

[@RealChrisBaca]

^__^

[@fitwithincollective9434]

This video is great!!!

[@Justphred]

Chris if you open a barber shop. I would go to it.

[@RealChrisBaca]

I have no doubt you'd be there opening day - first one in line!

[@brockcbritton]

such good insight !!

[@RealChrisBaca]

Thanks Brock!

[@tataterrific]

Holy fuck. Thought it was just me. Wish I'd seen this a year ago, dude - might have saved myself a whole lot of heart ache.

[@dharmaduf]

You should definitely open a small collective space with like-minded vendors offering: haircuts, skateboard stuff (DIY build & repair), rad clothes, coffee (duh) and other fermented beverages, tacos, etc. All in a large open environment with a common vibe.

[@RealChrisBaca]

That would be so fun. If I could find the proper building it would be on - real estate is hard in SC.

[@konafan77]

Coffee Box in El Paso have built a cool store from two shipping containers. Maybe shipping containers could work for a coffee/skate pop-up...Cat & Cloud in a Box...? Peace!

[@tylerthebarista1398]

Thanks for sharing! Thought I was the only one feeling like this lol!

[@Bleach868]

that spidey shirt though🤘🏼

[@thathondurangirl]

Greetings from Honduras! I felt the same as you... :)

[@diycentral]

Freaky when the light turned off at 7:14 :p

[@RealChrisBaca]

That pesky bathroom timer

[@brewbudsclub]

[@RealChrisBaca]

^__^

[@calvinvanhofwegen97]

Good stuff, also sick inikis

[@RealChrisBaca]

So comfortable!

[@NathanielRhett]

Baca coffee and skate! That would be dope!!! More wu-tang always!

[@RealChrisBaca]

36 Chambers deep

[@umbertovanstaden2651]

That glasses though

[@DamonBowe]

The dude across the street from C&C already rocks a decent haircut. ;)

[@RealChrisBaca]

I gotta check the game!

[@MarkSmith-cs1fw]

@federal.coffee

[@randordway9777]

Chris lookin like Keanu Reeves in John Wick this episode

[@RealChrisBaca]

Ha!

[@twochaudiomg2578]

At first part you were on top of it. Then you go outside and get goofy looking. Ups up Bra!

[@tamcaj]

Indépendamment de l'apprentissage de ce jeune homme, j'ai vu, de mes yeux, qu'il a des cheveux.

[@jackspresso1446]

Chris should take the 16personalities test. I bet he is an ENFJ

[@RealChrisBaca]

Jared loves those things!

[@twochaudiomg2578]

i can't believe you even work. someone with $$ bucks out of there mind has to back up

[@ejschiro]

Money Fame Power Pizza 😎

[@RealChrisBaca]

elevated game

[@abuferasabdullah]

That was too long, make q&q better

[@varunsingh9432]

you are talking more than any thing important for 3minutes without any real talks. !