The glitz and glamour of owning a business is actually the sun’s reflection hitting the sweat and tears that comes from the entrepreneurial journey. That reality is not designed to discourage others from taking that route, but one entrepreneur in Moss Point is sharing the hard truths of owning a business.
Lakelia Jones is the owner of Sugar Beans Coffee House and Grill on Main Street in Moss Point. She moved the business into its own brick and mortar location after years of success in the food truck business.
“I’ve learned so much on this entrepreneurial journey,” Mrs. Jones said. “Some lessons hit harder than others, but they all educated me in ways no textbook ever could.”
Prior to opening Sugar Beans, she worked for Merchants and Marine Bank as a payroll and benefits coordinator and also has experience with the Department of Corrections where she worked for eight years as a case manager and warden.
Her preliminary list of entrepreneurial gains includes missing many family moments, understanding that the fine print does matter, and keeping credit in good standing.
“Working hard doesn’t always equal success or more money,” she said. “Sometimes taking a step backward is necessary to move forward, and that’s okay.”
Entrepreneurship isn’t new to her family. Her husband, Ken, is also an entrepreneur and owns a massage business in Ocean Springs.
“We are both entrepreneurs to our core, so working for ourselves is what we enjoy,” she said.
She is sharing what she has learned as tools to others who are considering opening businesses. Mrs. Jones said some other business owner must-knows are that there will be early days and late nights, taxes to pay and creating necessary systems.
“And no one loves your business more than you,” she said. “Hiring quality people is more important than hiring employees just to fill a space.”
She said her love of cooking and serving others came was ingrained throughout her childhood. She was taught that your love for others can be shown through cooking.
“I grew up in the kitchen with two grandmothers that cooked and would feed anyone that walked through their front door,” Mrs. Jones said. “I gained my servant’s heart from them, and cooking became second nature.”
As she continues to learn more about owning a business, the good, the bad and the ugly, she is also continuing her love of cooking and serving others, one burger, coffee or taco at a time. From food truck roots to the go-to spot, serving up quality ingredients, big flavor, and feel-good vibes at Sugar Beans.
*All photos are courtesy of Sugar Beans
