Brown Sugar Bistro made it on TV!

"There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now, and you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good time as any."

- Hugh Laurie.

Ready or not, Daytime Chicago came knocking for Brown Sugar Bistro. Last week, I had the special opportunity to introduce my mobile coffee bar to Chicago on WGN. This is something I would expect to happen much later after launching a business. Operating less than a year, I know that I still have so much learning to do. Yet every event, I feel much more equipped than I did the last one. It's safe to say none of that really matters when God gives you an open door.

Was I nervous? Absolutely. Did I have imposter syndrome? Absolutely. But I knew that no amount of nerves or doubts should stop me from confidently sharing who I am and the value of my business. As I prepared, I looked around at my supplies and noticed I didn't have anything branded. Not a T-shirt, not a hat, or anything else somewhat identifiable for the audience. The only thing I had going for me were custom stickers on my cold cups, which I actually made the decision to swap out for blank ones for a cleaner appearance. That morning, I just said to myself, "We're power-womaning it," as I slipped on a gold fitted top and a pinstripe second-hand blazer. After finishing my hair and make up, I had to remember that I am the first image of Brown Sugar Bistro anyone will ever see. Who I am and who I represent will always upstage logos.

We drove about an hour and fifteen minutes to the WGN station. Once we were past security, everything else happened at whirling speed. One minute, I'm setting up my supplies on the display table, the next I'm being mic'd up. I engaged in small talk with the Daytime hosts, and within seconds they're delivering news six feet away from me about a deer that was stuck in someone's bushes. And finally, they made their way over to me.

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This was one of those times when preparation truly paid off! The night before, I dragged myself up off the couch after resting from a very long, and full weekend of work. It was 11:00 p.m. and I was on my 5th WGN simulation with my husband. I practiced everything: telling the BSB origin story, answering questions, talking while making the drinks at the same time, learning when to slow down or keep it brief. We rehearsed with a five minute timer until we both felt like I was ready.

By the time the hosts began to interview me, I felt comfortable answering most questions because they were nearly identical to my at-home simulations the night before. I made sure to make eye contact with both hosts while trying not to whack anything from sheer nerves. Thankfully, most TV hosts are very good at their jobs; they know how to keep things moving so all you need to really do on your part is smile and keep the main thing the main thing. All details aside, I was really grateful that both drinks were successfully made. I was finished before I knew it and was on my way out the door, trying my hardest not to clank glass and metal while bussing coffee materials out the studio.

I felt a huge sigh of relief as we got in the car to head home. But first, chicken and waffles! It's nothing quite like that first meal after hitting an unforgettable milestone.

The support from my family, friends, and coworkers had me feeling like it was my birthday. Floods of text messages and DMs filled with congratulations and shout-outs. To hear things like "you're a natural" when this felt everything but natural had me feeling so proud. It only took two days for me to brave watching the playback of myself, but I couldn't feel happier knowing this opportunity is something no one can take away from me. God has been gracious, and I know this is only the beginning for Brown Sugar Bistro.

A man’s gift opens doors for him,

and brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16

Catch the full segment here!

BROWN SUGAR BISTRO: Creating Memorable Experiences through the Love of Coffee

Cheers,

Nia

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