Meet Neelambika Bhagavandas, the small business owner of Tassie Brews & Sips based in Hobart, Tasmania
Meet Neelambika Bhagavandas, she runs her own small business under the name “Tassie Brews and Sips” where she creates and sells spiced drinks, blending Western and Indian flavours. Neela’s background is Indian, and she brings that heritage into her business by creating unique drinks such as spiced mochas, traditional chai, turmeric and honey golden milk and a variety of lattes, including mushroom lattes.
“The weekly catch-ups with my business coach, Anthony are great. He keeps me on track. He listens to my ideas and gives me guidance and feedback always. He is always there to motivate me even when I am dealing with challenges in my business.”
Read more about Neelambika’s business journey so far:
Neelambika’s Business
I run a small business under the name “Tassie Brews and Sips” where I sell spiced drinks, blending Western and Indian flavours. My background is Indian, and I bring that heritage into my business by creating unique drinks such as spiced mochas, traditional chai, and a variety of lattes, including mushroom lattes.
Previously I used to sell my drinks at a café located in Hobart, and then I decided to start my own business. I’ve been operating my business since January 2024. I mostly sell my drinks and spices by participating in different local markets by setting up stalls.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
Before starting my own business, I was working in a partnership with someone, and we run a café for 10 years.
Working with Many Rivers
I just saw an ad on Facebook and sent a message and then Anthony from Many Rivers was assigned to me as my business coach. The best part is that Anthony has also been a regular customer at my café and enjoyed my drinks. It has been a great relationship with him as my customer and now as my business mentor as well.
My business coach Anthony helped me with the book-keeping, cashflow and budgeting and that was really helpful and most importantly he was always there to listen to my business growth ideas and to keep me on track.
Why did you want to go into business?
I always wanted to have my own business. It gives me independence. Moreover, I was always passionate about making handmade sweet treats and cold mixed cocktails, chai blends and hot drinks full of all the good things.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
I didn’t get any loan.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
“The weekly catch-ups with my business coach, Anthony are great. He keeps me on track. He listens to my ideas and gives me guidance and feedback always. He is always there to motivate me even when I am dealing with challenges in my business.”
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
It’s just me and sometimes my family gives me a hand.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the bad weather in Tasmania. It often leads to the cancellation of open markets, and even when they aren’t cancelled, the poor weather keeps people from attending.
Biggest Success
My greatest achievement has been the satisfaction of managing everything independently, which has granted me both financial independence and flexibility. Additionally, successfully selling my drinks and spices at well-known markets in Hobart has been a significant milestone. I’ve set up stalls at the “South Arm Community Market” and the “Kingston Beach Handmade Market,” where I’ve proudly sold my products.
Biggest Change
The flexibility to do my own work at my own timings and to be there for my family. The best part is that my family also volunteers and supports me in my business.
Future Goals
I aim to take my business to the next level by expanding my reach to cafés and other businesses to sell my drinks. I also plan to connect with wholesalers to broaden my distribution.
Thank you, Neelambika for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Neelambika and her small business, follow “Tassie Brews & Sips” through the following link:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554808577134
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