Speciality Coffee Shop going from Strength to Strength following tailored advice from Council’s Business Support Unit
Many local people will fondly remember the little blue caravan parked ‘Out the Line’ as a comforting escape over difficult Covid times. Passers-by could enjoy a hot coffee and a break from the worrying world we lived in at the time whilst on their daily walk. But that little caravan was just the start of Stephanie Bradley’s passion project which has transformed from a one-woman band to a flourishing team of 10 and continues to grow, with the help of Council’s Business Support Unit.
Stephanie came up with the idea of the ever-popular coffee shop, Offing, after dreaming of owning her own coffee business for years, and it was only due to the fact she was made redundant due to the global pandemic that gave her the push to finally give it a go. Taking a huge risk, setting up a business in a turbulent and uncertain environment, Stephanie pursued and before she knew it her little teal 1980’s caravan became a popular hot spot for walkers, selling hot beverages and sweet treats she made at home.
After two years of enjoying the cows and green fields as neighbours, she made the move into her current bricks and mortar premises in the Destined building. While she is still technically ‘Out the Line’, she has now amassed a growing team of ten staff members, runs a small retail offering and collaborates with other local business for popular business events.
When Stephanie had set her sights on opening and growing her business, she got in touch with the Go For It Programme, now known as Go Succeed.
“The Go For It Programme was hugely beneficial in pointing me in the right direction for mentorship, being a sounding board and helping with forming the beginnings of a business plan. I was introduced to a lot of great contacts who were brilliant at keeping me informed on upcoming events, programmes, masterclasses or funding opportunities.”
It was after she completed her time with Go For it when she heard about Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Start Up Launch Pad event running as part of Enterprise Week, and was introduced to Council’s Business Officer, Maria McKeever.
“Maria was exceptional with her time, she helped me prepare for the pitching competition and was there to answer any questions along the way. She even showed all the candidates around the stage we would be doing the pitch on. After the competition Maria provided me with an invaluable hour of her time discussing business strategy, networking and planning for future which, given that the café was only just opening, was perfect timing for me to have that conversation.”
Stephanie Bradley went on to win the Start Up Launch Pad competition last year as part of Enterprise Week 2023 after putting together an impressive pitch.
“I was incredibly shocked and overwhelmingly grateful to win the award. It was such a lovely feeling to feel validated in what I was pursuing and a real confidence boost for going forward. I knew that just taking part in a pitching competition was going to be a valuable learning experience in itself as I had never done anything like that before, so to have great feedback from the judges panel was fantastic alone, but then to win on top of that was just amazing.”
Offering advice to any budding entrepreneurs within the city and district, Stephanie encouraged anyone to give it a go.
“If it’s something you simply can’t stop thinking about, do it. Find a way and make it happen. Personally, I don’t believe in risking anything you can’t afford to lose, so if you’re like me in that regard, start small, stay consistent and keep pushing until you get there. It’s likely never going to be easy but it will be worth it.”
For further information on the support programmes available to set up and grow your business through Derry City and Strabane District Council visit derrystrabane.com/business and follow us on Socials @Business Support Derry Strabane.