Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran Knudsen.
Hi Fran, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to the College of Charleston and received a business degree in Marketing and continued on to earn my Master’s of Business Administration in Revenue Management.
I left school and followed my boyfriend (now husband!) to Columbia, but had trouble finding a job that felt like the right fit. That was the lightbulb moment for me – I could create a job! Blūm was born as an idea that developed into a business plan and is now my career.
I have always loved coffee and hospitality, so combining the two felt like the right move for myself and my career path.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think everyone has this vision of following their dreams, but no one tells you how difficult it is to get there. We had a very slow buildout process for the space combined with some permitting issues with the city.
I opened two months later than I had originally hoped and planned. Then, we opened and I had to jump into a leadership position I really was not prepared for. I was young when I began Blūm and had a lot to learn about developing employees, problem-solving, hiring, and firing.
Now, we face smaller issues but issues nonetheless. Luckily, I have learned how to ask for help when trying to problem solve – reaching out to people who are mentors as well as professionals in their respective fields is a wonderful tool when you’re facing challenges!
As you know, we’re big fans of Blum Coffee. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own Blum Coffee which is an upscale coffee shop in the Devine District of Columbia. We are set apart by our modern aesthetic, fun botanical flavors, and unrivaled hospitality. Our brand is bright and energetic – just like our coffees. We strive at Blūm to educate customers about all things coffee while helping them pick the right drink.
Our space was created for all types of work, from cozy chairs to read-in to a wifi bar curated specifically for the solo-worker typing away on a laptop. We also offer the space for event rentals after hours and have hosted everything from birthday parties to bridal showers in Blūm!
I am the proudest about the work culture I have helped to cultivate at Blūm – the team has this amazing synergy and ability to work together. I also feel extremely proud when my employees come to hang out at Blūm on their day off; how many people want to be at their place of work when they aren’t on the clock?
That is always such a surreal moment for me and a true measure of success. I want the workspace here to be something employees look forward to – we work most of our lives anyway, and you may as well enjoy that time!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Small Business Growth Podcast and Diary of a CEO are wonderful when you need a hit of inspiration or some help getting through a tough issue you’re facing.
I think as a business owner, it’s so important to try to learn from others who have been in your same place while also hearing other issues that businesses face that are similar to your own.
As far as books, I really enjoyed Built to Last and Good to Great by James Collins. Radical Candor by Kim Scott is great for leadership tips. Uncommon Service by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss was critical in my approach to hospitality and putting customers first.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blumsc.com
- Instagram: @blum_coffee_cola
- Facebook: @BlumCoffeeSC
Image Credits
Haley Parker (@haleycecil)
