Start where you’re at.

As someone who had never been to business school, learned to take an order, or sold anything before (aside from garage sales in the driveway), I was completely new to starting a business. I have a very business-minded mom, but she was not destined to open a Chick-Fil-A like she wanted to in the 00’s. I was taught to scrimp and save for what I want to buy and not to rely on the money of others. So, you can imagine I had a lot to learn and very little money to start with!

Anna Fields and the Tiger Bubble Tea Statue at Bubble Love Nashville

And that is how I got started.

My very first class as I created a logo and started trying teas and toppings at home, was at Pathway WBC (Women’s Business Center) and I had an amazingly patient teacher named Mia. I attended at night while the babies were in bed and my husband was cleaning up the house after the madness that was my in-home-nanny job. I was often tired, but excited to plan out this dream of owning a bubble tea shop.

From those early days until now, I have take maybe all the classes. I took the NBIC Biz Quiz and took their Foundations Class during Covid. I was Catalyst Cohort #12 and have been in Bridge ever since. I have done some EOS training which has changed the way I meet with my team and I’m excited to learn from SCORE next! It’s important to know where you came from and know where you’re going. The early days don’t las forever, but the team of support you build around you will keep you going!