Investing in Each Other | Southeastern Roastery
Since February 2016, Hatch Tribe has pledged to invest a portion of all profits into other women-owned businesses via Kiva. Now, we’re excited to share the story of one of those businesses with you!
“The dream for Hatch Tribe has always been to build a community of women entrepreneurs who were far more interested in seeing one another succeed, rather than beating each other down on the way to the top. That is the power of the TRIBE. We’re about collaboration, community, and connection that’s light years beyond passing out business cards and networking,” says Hilary Johnson, Hatch Tribe Founder & CEO.
One way we can uplift each other up? Financial support!
Access to funding can be a tremendous challenge for business owners in the US and abroad. Here’s what can happen when we work together. Check out the story of Candy Schibli and her company, Southeastern Roastery, including what she’s learned in the process of funding her business.
Southeastern Roastery
Founder: Candy Schibli
What made you decide to use Kiva to help fund your business?
I chose Kiva because I saw it being used as a successful tool internationally when working in Microenterprise and Microfinance. I figured if it’s open to U.S. entrepreneurs I’d use it as well.
What ignited the spark in you to start your business?
I wanted to have a more challenging and fulfilling lifestyle with more autonomy. It was also timely, as I didn’t care to associate myself with the current political administration. Though this was after I started, it did give me the push to go all-in.
Tell us about one big hurdle you've faced.
My largest challenge has been scaling. I am currently taking steps to improve this process like consolidating systems and workflows. It’s tough, but something I have to work through in order to grow efficiently.
What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
Autonomy and having more control over who I work with. In other words: community building. That is essentially what I am doing / creating. In this way I can support people and projects that align with my values and it feels good and vice versa; this same community supports me as well.
What do you wish you had known earlier about running a business?
Haha, everything!
What is one resource you couldn't manage your business without?
Always money, but also my human networks. These are even more valuable.
When you're not working, what do you like to do?
I like to cook, swim, and I’ve recently taken up jiu jitsu, which helps keep me focused and balanced. I meditate a lot too.
Where do you most want to travel and why?
I want to go to seaside Croatia because I love Lidia Bastianich’s dishes. I think I’d be in gastronomic heaven!
photo from Southeastern Roastery
About Candy Schibli + Southeastern Roastery
Candy Schibli is owner and head roaster of wholesale and retail supplier Southeastern Roastery. The company is currently based in Washington DC with sales in DC, Richmond, VA, Baltimore and areas in between. The company’s consolidated brick and mortar roasting facility is set to open in summer 2019.
Connect with Southeastern Roastery:
Instagram @southeasternroastery
Facebook @southeasternroastery
Paying it Forward
Hatch Tribe currently invests in interest-free loans for entrepreneurs through Kiva, a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.
Since February 2016, we have issued over 155 loans to women-owned businesses in 66 countries across 6 continents. The list of businesses we’ve supported keeps growing and we couldn’t do it without you!
We invite you to join the Hatch Tribe Lending Team to pay it forward for women entrepreneurs everywhere!
