My name is Angie Moore and I am the very proud owner of The Coffee Patch on Hasking. I started a little coffee shop on Beerburrum Road called The Coffee Patch which grew out of its skin. We started talking to people and were encouraged to look at the old Hasking Street café space. We haven’t looked back!  Unfortunately, I could not manage both spaces so I have sub let the space on Beerburrum Road so that I could focus all my attention on Hasking Street. I have a passion for people, customer service, amazing food and coffee and I really felt that something was missing in our suburb. I currently employ one full time Head Chef, one Head Barista and three casuals plus juniors on the weekend for breakfasts.

This was never just about owning a café but about making a community. Creating a space where we provide food for the soul, where connections are formed and our community know where they can go if they need a ‘pick me up’. It is just a bonus that we serve some of the best food and coffee in our region.

What motivated you to start your own business?

I have been cooking since I could reach the kitchen bench and I have always catered for all groups and clubs I have been a member of. From Pony Club to the Canine Control Council of Queensland, Caboolture Netball and private functions. I owned a catering van at the Caboolture Markets for many years before moving on to a café at Woody Point. A new baby and too far from home, saw me venture out into a beautiful vintage coffee van called Lemon & Myrtle – Vintage Travelling Café. I love being in charge of the direction of my business, who I employ, the menu I serve and the goals I strive for. Being in my own business enables me to set my own limitations and also, I like to think, a forerunner in the community. Being my own boss enables me to grow on my terms, push hard when I can and sit back when I need to.

I am also a mum to 3 beautiful children who are all on the autism spectrum. Running my own business provides me with time and opportunity to give to my children, support them and also provide a great place for learning new skills and gaining confidence with people and tasks.

What motivated you to join the Business Development Program?
A great support network in the staff at the Uni and especially Bianca. In all honesty, I know my limitations and weaknesses and I need this support. I need the guidance, the knowledge, the networking and the support to ensure I put my goals on paper and achieve them. I do not want to be one of the many businesses who fail in the first few years of trading.

What have you enjoyed most about the business planning workshops at USC Caboolture?

Absolutely everything at this point. It has been great to listen to so many other small businesses in the area that face the same issues and need the same guidance. Wayne has a wealth of information and I find the workshops immensely helpful.

What have you learnt that has particularly stood out to you?

The importance of writing everything down, having a plan, revisiting it often, asking for help and support.

What concepts from the program will you be applying to your business?

I can honestly say, almost all of it.

What advice can you give other businesses who might be thinking about joining the program?

This has been the best investment I could have made in myself and my business at this time. If you are not sure, jump onto it, you will not be disappointed.