We were lucky to catch up with Alex Farside recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from a deep belief in myself and my ability to adapt and solve problems on the fly. When we launched our business, we couldn’t have imagined the storm that was about to hit—opening just four months before COVID-19 turned the world upside down. Navigating through that period was the most challenging experience of my life, but it was also the most formative.
Each day brought new, unexpected challenges, requiring us to think creatively, pivot quickly, and adjust how we operated—sometimes on an hourly basis. That experience was a crash course in resilience and adaptability, and it taught me countless lessons about perseverance, resourcefulness, and determination. Coming out on the other side of that has instilled in me a profound sense of confidence. Now, I truly believe that no matter what life throws my way, I have the tools and mindset to face it head-on.
To me, optimism isn’t about naively assuming that everything will always be smooth sailing. It’s about having faith in your ability to weather the storms, tackle unseen challenges, and come out stronger. It’s knowing that even when the path is unclear, you’ll figure it out step by step.
My optimism doesn’t just come from within—it’s also deeply rooted in the incredible people I’m fortunate to work with. I have immense confidence in my business partner and the team we’ve built together. Our company thrives on openness, embracing constructive feedback, and using it as a catalyst for growth. Watching our team grow stronger and more capable every day gives me even more hope and belief in the future.
Optimism, for me, is a shared journey. It’s about trusting myself and the people around me to rise to the occasion, no matter what comes next. Together, we’re building something resilient, adaptable, and filled with possibility.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the founder and co-owner of Coffee N’ Comics, I feel incredibly fortunate to work on so many creative and exciting projects every day. One of the things I love most about being a small business owner is that no two days are ever the same. I’ve learned that adaptability is one of the most important skills to master in this role.
You can start the day with a plan, but then life happens—whether it’s a broken espresso machine, a surprise lock on the trash bin from the landlord, or an unexpected two-foot snowfall. When these curveballs come, you have to think on your feet, adjust quickly, and keep things moving. It’s in these unpredictable moments that I’ve grown the most, learning to embrace challenges and approach each situation as an opportunity to problem-solve and grow.
What truly excites me, though, is the creative freedom that comes with building and growing our brand. Coffee N’ Comics was born from the idea that we could blend our passions for coffee, pop culture, and community to create something truly unique. And it’s been so rewarding to bring that vision to life in ways that are both fun and memorable.
We’ve hosted incredible events, like Power Rangers and actors from the Star Wars universe signing autographs right in our store. We’ve taken our enthusiasm to conventions, donned giant inflatable Pikachu costumes to film fun videos downtown, and recently took our creativity to a new level by purchasing a hearse—yes, a hearse!—which we’ve transformed into a mobile coffee and bar setup. It’s been a wild ride, and I love every moment of it.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the business is connecting with our customers. Over time, I’ve discovered that just about everyone has something “nerdy” they’re passionate about—whether it’s video games, books, collectibles, or hobbies. Building a space where people can come together and celebrate the things they love has made this journey so much more meaningful. Those shared moments of connection and joy remind me why we started this business in the first place.
At the end of the day, Coffee N’ Comics is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a community hub, a creative outlet, and a place where we can all embrace what makes us unique. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my experience, one of the most critical skills anyone can develop is problem-solving. You can’t just sit back and hope things will unfold the way you planned. Success comes from objectively assessing your situation daily—identifying what’s working, what isn’t, and then taking decisive action.
When something isn’t working, it’s essential to approach the issue with curiosity and creativity. Brainstorm potential solutions, identify the best course of action, and then work backward to figure out the steps needed to execute it. Problem-solving also requires humility; you have to be comfortable with the idea that you won’t always be “right.” Feedback is invaluable, and being open to constructive criticism is key to growth, especially in a new business. Every piece of feedback, even the difficult ones, is an opportunity to improve and refine your approach.
Another essential skill is empathy—or at the very least, the ability to put yourself in your customers’ shoes and understand their needs. There’s a misconception that owning a business means you get to focus solely on doing what you love every day. While that might work for some, truly successful business owners prioritize what their customers want over their personal preferences.
Take coffee, for example. My go-to drink is a simple Americano with cream and sugar—not exactly flashy or exciting. If that were the centerpiece of our menu, we wouldn’t last long. Customers want variety, creativity, and seasonal offerings that bring something fresh and fun to their experience. Understanding your customers’ preferences, anticipating their needs, and solving their pain points is what keeps a business moving in the right direction.
Finally, while it may not be a skill in the traditional sense, I can’t overstate the value of having a trusted business partner or someone to share the journey with. Running a small business is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting and, at times, overwhelming. Having someone you can trust—someone who shares your vision and can carry part of the load—makes all the difference. A great business partner not only helps lighten the burden but also brings fresh ideas, challenges your thinking, and offers a sounding board for tough decisions.
In the end, the most successful businesses are built on problem-solving, empathy, and collaboration. With those tools in hand, you can navigate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and create something that truly resonates with your customers.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always eager to collaborate and build new connections! Over the years, I’ve learned firsthand how invaluable it is to grow alongside people who have more experience and insight than you do. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable, innovative individuals not only accelerates growth but also opens doors to new possibilities and ideas.
One area where we are particularly excited to learn and grow is from those who have experience opening and scaling multiple locations. As a small business with big dreams, we recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that come with expansion. Partnering with experts in this area would be a game-changer for us as we continue to refine our processes and build the foundation for sustainable growth.
The potential for Coffee N’ Comics is boundless. While we currently operate three physical locations, we envision a future where our brand transcends traditional coffee shops. We dream of creating a diverse and immersive experience for our customers—integrating video games, apps, hotels, group-finding platforms for communities, and a cutting-edge rewards system that redefines customer loyalty. We’re not just building a business; we’re crafting a lifestyle and a movement that resonates with people on multiple levels.
Our ultimate goal is ambitious but achievable: to expand from three locations to 100. Each step we take is fueled by a passion for innovation, creativity, and connection. To make this vision a reality, we’re always on the lookout for partners, collaborators, and mentors who share our enthusiasm and can help us bring Coffee N’ Comics to a wider audience.
If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re an industry expert, a visionary entrepreneur, or someone who simply believes in what we’re doing, let’s connect and explore how we can work together. You can reach us anytime at help@coffeencomics.com. Together, we can turn our bold vision into a remarkable reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coffeencomics.com
- Instagram: Coffee.n.comics
- Facebook: Alex Farside
- Linkedin: Alex Farside
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