Misha Barling, Founder and CEO, Bondi Coffee
Misha Barling is the founder and CEO of Bondi Coffee, the UK's number one superfood coffee. She is also a qualified radiographer who has worked 20 years on the NHS front line helping breast cancer patients and is a proud mum and wife. As the daughter of first-generation immigrants who own their own small business, Misha had always had a burning desire to start her company one day. After suffering from post-natal depression in 2015 and wanting to make small changes to her daily life to help her get back to feeling great again, she came up with the concept of Bondi Coffee – a coffee that is just as delicious as the takeaway coffees she had been over-consuming but containing superfood ingredients. In just over three years, Bondi Coffee is now available in 300 “Holland & Barrett” stores all over the UK and is booming online, with a loyal legion of raving fans – many who are mums and working women just like her. Misha still splits her time between the business and health care, and her hospital background and commitment to giving the best service possible shine through in all aspects of the Bondi Coffee Brand.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram. Bondi Coffee is a very visual brand, and we love that our customers are able to post their incredible reviews for the world to see.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I'm currently the founder and CEO of the company. My skills are varied, but I drive the strategic operations of the business and also oversee the marketing (social and in-store). My husband helps me with the logistics side of the business, such as supply chain and the tech (he's much better at computers than me!).
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
Being the CEO of Bondi Coffee is such a different role than what I've been doing for the last twenty years as a radiographer. The learning curve has been and is still exponential, and it's been a tonne of hard work. However, when we receive such positive reviews, it makes it all worthwhile. My favourite aspect of the business is the challenge. I treat it like a puzzle and a game - we have tried lots of different things; some have worked, and others haven't. I love the challenge. I still love working in the NHS also. Working in a hospital and having the opportunity to help people, especially women who have breast cancer, is a true privilege and also puts life into sharp perspective.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Definitely from my dad: "What's the worst that can happen?"
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I'm a huge believer in the law of attraction, and I practice daily affirmations and positive visualisation techniques to keep me focussed on the positives and not the negatives. Also, hearing about setbacks, other entrepreneurs have been through and kept going inspires me to know that no matter what happens, good luck and success are just on the horizon.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
What makes me proudest is my 5-year-old son Joshi. He melts my heart!
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I love to be face-to-face, meeting people at events. However, due to covid, I've become very adept at using Linkedin as a networking tool. There are so many inspiring people that contact me, and it's great to be able to give advice and chat to people when asked. I also do a lot of asking for advice too!! Haha.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
1. Persistence – Never, ever give up.
2. Courage – It takes guts and courage to start a business.
3. Decisiveness – you have to know when to change things up.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Well, I know a lot more now than when I first started the business, that's for sure. Everyone always says the first business is the hardest, and I'm sure it's true. To be honest, like all entrepreneurs, I didn't realise the work and dedication involved in starting a business. In a way, I'm glad I didn't, as if I had of it may have scared me off! Haha.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
As much as I admire the 'big name' business people, I've met loads of people along my business journey that has started and scaled their own brands from concept to multi-million-pound businesses (or are at least on their way). Every single person I've met has had setbacks and successes and has persisted in their way to success through determination and making their own luck. All have been super generous with their time and advice. I won't name them, but these are the people I admire and who inspire me the most.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Family is most important, both my immediate family and my extended family. I love to keep fit and am a regular at F45 Training. I also love hitting the town with my friends for some drinks and dancing - in moderation, of course! Haha.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
For us, it's been a good twelve months business-wise. We've been able to grow the eCommerce side of the business nicely. Now things are opening up, Holland & Barrett sales will continue to grow. Personally, I've been lucky. Working on the front line and x-raying Covid patients meant that I actually caught the virus myself, as did my husband and my parents. Fortunately, we all recovered 100% after a couple of weeks. My husband's grandfather always used to say, "health is wealth", and it's so true!
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
Yes, I've had several mentors over my three years in business, and all have been terrific. One of the benefits of having a mentor is the outside advice they can lend you when you have to make decisions - from the small to the large. I always make myself available if people would like to speak with me. I've not officially mentored anyone yet. However, I regularly get approached for advice and a chat, and I love doing this, as I've been helped myself along the journey.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Just do it! Never be afraid to fail… what have you got to lose? And always remember, business is not life or death. Have some fun with it, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
You are not persisting for long enough - or running out of money! Haha, Seriously, though, you have to have a goal in mind and work toward the goal every day, little by little. Things won't go your way all the time, as they don't for everyone, but as long as you persist and you have passion, you'll eventually succeed. Also, if you lose your passion or you have to 'give up for any reason, it doesn't make it a 'failure'. You've learned along the way and will take those skills forward into your next venture or whatever you do next. Stay positive, dust yourself off and keep going.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Never Give Up.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Brands that are relatable and humans, such as Lo-do and Foga, come to mind. They're not huge brands, but they make you feel valued each time you purchase. Personally, I love brands that focus on brilliant, personal customer service. We always do this at Bondi Coffee - myself and the team make sure we do everything we can to make every customer feel valued, which they most certainly are.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
The satisfaction of learning all the time, challenging myself and seeing how many people's lives Bondi Coffee has changed for the better. Personal success is a happy family having a beautiful son and a fun marriage.