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Sweet Treats in the High Street - Oh My Coffee

8/14/2018

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In her column focused on small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy interviews a community-minded coffee shop owner
Afshan Ahmed runs Oh My Coffee in Old Church Road, Chingford
Afshan Ahmed runs an independent, family friendly, ‘foodie’ coffee shop and larder based in Chingford that specialises in fresh, innovative foods, homemade cakes and locally-sourced gifts and food products.
I asked what the drive was to start up her business, Oh My Coffee; Afshan said: “I had an idea to create a place that was family friendly, where children could develop their social skills in an environment that felt welcoming.
“When I started up, I found lots of information online, and through asking lots of questions. I felt the bank and tax offices were helpful. I am a great believer in planning, planning, planning.
“It’s not been without its challenges though – building our fantastic team of staff has taken time.”
The businesswoman and mum says that her biggest achievements have been growing the business every year and not staying static. The coffee shop has won awards for good service and prides itself on its sense of community, which includes offering book and craft clubs. The recent opportunity to expand into next-door premises was a calculated risk which has proved to be a turning point for the future of the business.
“In 12 months’ time, I would love to see all our plans coming into fruition. We are working to increase our own range in the larder, which stocks lots of great locally-produced products, and bring added interest to the high street. Watch this space!”
Afshan is passionate about having a vibrant high street with diverse shopping opportunities. She says: “We do not consider rivals or competition, we see other shops as adding something different to the high street which is in turn great for us, almost like partners. A diverse shopping area is great for all local businesses.”
What advice would she give to those thinking of starting a business? “My advice to budding entrepreneurs would be to see every hurdle as an opportunity, and keep positive.
“The most satisfying part of running my own business is I love what I do. Every day is different, from business planning to making handmade chocolates. I love the flexibility it gives me. I am a great believer in ‘you reap what you sow’.”

To find out more about Oh My Coffee:
Visit ohmyltd.com
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email [email protected]
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk
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    Waltham Forest Business Network writing about great Waltham Forest Businesses in https://walthamforestecho.co.uk/

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  • Welcome!
    • What Our Members Say
  • About
  • What We Do
    • Women In Business >
      • Great Little Places to meet in E17
    • Business Directory
    • Creative Exchange >
      • Expression of Interest
    • Small Business 100
    • WF Small Business Competition >
      • 2014 Food Business Category Winner - Star of India Restaurant
      • 2014 Social Enterprise Category Winner - Significant Seams
      • Winner - 2013 Business Competition
      • 2014 Start Up Business Category Winner - Bestowed Kitchen
      • Winner - 2012 Small Business Competition
      • 2014 Retail Business Category Winner - It Does The Job
      • 2014 Creative Business Category Winner - Build
      • 2014 Professional Service Category Winner - Leyton Sports Massage
    • Networking, Events, Workshops >
      • Christmas Networking 2017
      • Christmas Networking 2015 >
        • Past Events >
          • 2014 Christmas Event
      • 'Network & Grow' summer 2014
      • 2012 Christmas Networking Event
      • 2012 Tea at the Town Hall
      • Workshops 2011
      • 2011 Summer Networking, House of Commons
      • Christmas Dinner at Eat17
      • Celebrating International Women's Day
      • 2011 E17 Art Trail
      • NEL Expo 2011
      • December 2010 Waterstones Christmas Networking
      • July 2010 Pimms O'Clock Summer Networking
      • April 2010 - Spring Speed Networking
      • February 2010 - Secrets to Success with NLCC
      • January 2010 - Facebook & Twitter -What's The Fuss?
      • Christmas 2009 - Christmas Networking at Waterstones
      • Summer 2009 - Networking, Health & Beauty
  • WFBN Blog
  • Waltham Forest Echo - Business Articles
  • Enterprise Nation
  • Privacy Policy
  • Enterprise Programme Support
    • Growth Vouchers - Cavendish Consortium
    • Fit For Legacy - East London Business Place
    • Waltham Forest Council - Small Business Saturday