Start Up Loan client goes from Platform 1 barista to published author. Set from behind a counter in a coffee shop on a London-bound platform, the fascinating story of Confessions of a Barista on Platform 1 gives insight into the quirky commuters at St Leonards Warrior Square rail station and takes the reader on a journey of discovery.

Echoed by the announcer’s relay of the coast-line stations leading up to Charing Cross, the story captures the lives of witty characters who from a one-dimensional lens, could seem like the average passenger. Author, Joanna Murray tells the tale from her perspective, touching on the fact that we all have our personal struggles, and opens up the lives of commuters and how the most unexpecting person could possibly be a hero.

Joanna said, “I first opened the coffee shop on 7th July 2016. My career journey since the business launch has been fascinating. I always wanted to open a coffee shop and realised the potential at the time of finding a 'captive' market. I did have some hospitality experience - but it was not my career background. I came runner up in the Sussex Businesswoman awards in November 2016 - which was a proud moment - because I had started with nothing. I then went on to grow the business and open two other units at different train stations.

I have so many favourite memories of platform 1 - I have written about them in the book - some are funny - some are unbelievable - some are simply heart-breaking - that is the nature of St Leonards. The most important thing I learnt about the town is that there really is a true sense of community here - wealth and poverty knit together and support each other - something I had not anticipated when I first opened the coffee shop.”

Joanna was able to set up the platform coffee shop with the help of a Start Up Loan from Let’s Do Business Finance. Joanna spoke about her experience with the business support organisation: “I will always be grateful to Let’s Do Business Finance for helping me get started. I remember the day I had to pitch my idea – the team said my passion and belief really stood out - two things you really must have to succeed. It is a fantastic route for an entrepreneur to get an idea of the ground.”

When asked what it is like to set up your own business and succeed, Joanna said, “The highlights of setting up your own business are the exhilaration you feel at having taken the plunge to work for yourself. The satisfaction I felt every time I opened the door to the unit and put the lights on. It is a brave step to take - walking away from a guaranteed pay cheque - taking all the risk - believing in yourself enough.

Seeing a business grow - however small - from the ground up is immensely satisfying. Do not underestimate the fact that you will work twice as hard for yourself as you would for anyone else - you will be faced with all sorts of situations that you cannot necessarily envisage - and you must deal with them - because it all comes with the territory of running your own business.”

From a law student and a pub landlady to becoming a mother, business owner, barista and author, Joanna’s pure determination and drive is an inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs. The how-to business book tells a funny, heart-breaking tale of an eccentric community. We asked Joanna what inspired her to become an author:

“I realised that behind my coffee shop counter was a brilliant place to observe people. Customers seemed very happy to share details of their life with me - the insights were brilliant, funny, painful, personal etc. I made mental notes of all the vignettes and went on a journey of discovery to produce the true story - Confessions of a Barista on Platform 1 - and am now officially an author. Quite a departure from my original business plan. I am also now working with The Firle Press as a mentor/editor on the submissions side - an amazing journey.”

From humble barista beginnings, Joanna has a bright and exciting future ahead with plans to write a second book and produce an adaption of Confessions of a Barista on Platform 1 for the stage. It is a stark reminder for female entrepreneurs that you can be whoever you want to be and achieve your career goals.

Joanna started her inspiring entrepreneurial journey with funding support from the Let’s Do Business Finance Start-Up programme. As official delivery partners of the scheme delivered by the British Business Bank, there is funding available to £25k for aspiring entrepreneurs along with free mentoring. If you have a strong business idea but need support to get started, please get in touch.