Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamar Barkley.
Shamar, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Being a student at Georgia State University, I was introduced to the Brunch scene quite quickly and fell in love. Each weekend I found myself being asked, “Shamar, where should I go for Brunch this weekend?” and I would always ask the same questions, “Well, what type of vibe are you looking for? What’s your budget? Do you want music? Do you want bottomless mimosa options?” I thought to myself that I should create a tool where people plug in their preferences and a list is generated of brunch spots that match their preferences. I sat on the idea for Brunch Spot ATL for about two years until I finally decided to just get started. I reached out to a friend of mine who has some experience with building brands. We developed a plan of what needed to happen in order to bring the brand to life and stuck to it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Immediately after launching, COVID-19 hit and I had to shift the entire strategy of the brand. The initial flow of the page was going to be going out to different restaurants, leaving reviews of the entire brunch experience, etc. Additionally, I was going to be curating brunch events for the brand and for clients. However, COVID made that completely impossible. I also bought about 500 business cards that I can’t hand out in person lol. HOWEVER, the beauty in that is this has forced me, and challenged me to get creative. I had to shift to more content tailored around take-out, at-home meals, etc. It has also allowed me to expand my mind of what the brand could possibly be, and the different taste it brings to the foodie community.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brunch Spot ATL – what should we know?
Brunch Spot ATL is a dapper social hub for young foodies and entrepreneurs. We exist to inspire lifestyle and provide the Atlanta foodie community with a curated, efficient means of discovering their next brunch experience. Brunch Spot ATL also provides event planning services to bring your next big event to life! What sets Brunch Spot ATL apart from others is that we really push to drive culture and the recognition that food connects all realms of life. The Brunch “Spot” is that hub to receive all, not just a mimosa.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is the ability to read your consumer base and the world around you and them. A successful entrepreneur knows you are not successful without your consumer base. You have to connect your world to theirs and let that serve as a roadmap. What are people asking for? What do you see a demand for? Where do those demands connect with your passion, skills, talents that you can provide for people? It’s having a service mentality coupled with your given skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: brunchspotatl.com
- Email: contact.brunchspotatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @brunchspot.atl
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