We recently connected with Brandon Carruth and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
Before opening Sleepyhead I was fired from a customer service job in insurance. I’ll spare you the details, but needless to say, a structured office job answering boring calls from upset customers just wasn’t my cup of tea…or coffee ;). It wasn’t the customer service that I disliked, but the repetitive nature of the job and high expectations of corporate America. I thrive in creative environments when I can really get to know a customer and create beautiful spaces and products. After getting fired and once the shock and temporary devastation wore off I was able to go back to my very first coffee job. Most service industry jobs are hiring often so I was grateful to find a quick job while I sorted out my life and this recent change. The important thing to remember is that a layoff or getting fired is indeed, TEMPORARY. It can be life shattering or it can be life altering. I chose to pivot and allow that change to alter my plans for the better. I grew up wanting to be an entrepreneur. Through middle and high school I was designing fashion and got accepted into a prestigious fashion school before deciding I wasn’t ready for the change and commitment of what seemed like a whole new life. I can say now that I am grateful I decided against pursuing that dream because now I’m living another one. After returning to my old coffee job briefly, I opened a coffee cart of my own with my business partner, Christian. The cart has since grown to two physical locations! I had always loved the idea of bringing the community together and offering a space for creators, students, friends, family, and more all while enjoying a nice cup of coffee and a pastry. I allowed getting fired to force me off a cliff so I had no other option than to spread my wings and take off. Sometimes change is good whether it’s wanted or not.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a co-owner of Sleepyhead Coffee, a coffee shop specializing in housemade vegan pastries and more! We opened our first location in March 2019 and will soon open our second one. Sleepyhead was created to bring the community together whether you come to read, create art, study, meet with friends, host a small meeting, etc. We are more than a coffee shop. Since we’re an LGBTQ-owned and operated shop, we’ve always strived to make our place a safe space for all. We make housemade vegan and gluten free pastries, because whether or not you have a dairy or gluten allergy, you can enjoy a good pastry. At our second location we’ll have a full mocktail menu. We want to provide a bar-like atmosphere, but without the alcohol because again, whether or not you drink alcohol you can still enjoy a delicious mocktail.
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?
I have been a dreamer all of my life. Like I mentioned previously, I grew up hoping to become a successful fashion designer and when that wasn’t the route I took, I chased another dream. It is important to focus heavily on your dream, but it’s also important to have more than one. Not everything is going to work in your favor so instead of committing your life to one dream, maybe you can have backup dreams that you will enjoy as equally as your first one.
Don’t be afraid to fail. At a new job, a new business you’re starting, or new city you’re moving to, failure is inevitable. There will be times that something doesn’t go the way we wanted it to. Don’t let that discourage you, let it empower you! Another quality of mine if the ability to fail and keep pushing forward. With time your failures will be forgotten by everyone, including yourself so don’t be afraid of failing.
As an entrepreneur you have to continuously reinvent to maintain your relevance. This is a skill I have and I think many young people have. We follow trends and know what’s in and what’s out. You have to be ready to add to your concept, take away from your concept, or pivot your concept to stay true to yourself and your brand, but also stay relevant. Being tuned into what’s working and what’s not in your industry will help you create a successful brand.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I often get caught up in work or my thoughts and ideas which ends in me being very overwhelmed. My mind will be racing with ideas for every part of my life, personal and professional and I have to unplug. I find that disconnecting, even if for an hour in my day, calms me and improves my mood. Although I consider my work a hobby, I have other hobbies that I do when I’m overwhelmed. Most recently I’ve been frequenting the gym and the pool. Both of these activities are good for my soul so in the hour or two during the day that life or work may be too much, I’ll head to the gym for a workout or to the pool to feel the sun on my face. So instead of climbing into bed when you’re overwhelmed, do your favorite activity or hobby with no expectations other than to distract yourself in a productive way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sleepyhead.coffee
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/brandoncarruth?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-carruth-b808a4197
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Sleepyheadcoffee
- Other: Business Instagram: https://instagram.com/sleepyheadchatt?igshid=YmM0MjE2YWMzOA==
Image Credits
Casey Yoshida with Brightside Creates
