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Ask any Millennial Master what really matters as you grow, and most will say the same thing: scale means nothing if you lose your soul.
This week, I’m joined by Lydia Snape former rock band frontwoman turned hospitality entrepreneur, who set out to prove you can grow fast and keep your values.
As owner of Warwick Street Kitchen, Lydia built a business around the radical idea that great coffee and great food should always come with real community, even as you add new locations, staff, and complexity.
Lydia’s story is all about scaling with heart and systems.
🔗 Find Lydia on LinkedIn and Instagram
Takeaways from Lydia’s episode
1️⃣ Scaling without losing soul
Lydia proves you can grow locations and keep the magic, if you design systems that protect what makes you special.
2️⃣ Know your numbers cold
Serious growth demands daily attention to profit, costs, and every pound going in or out, no excuses.
3️⃣ Community drives demand
Relationships with local fans and a reputation for quality are stronger than any ad spend.
4️⃣ Build teams that live your values
The right hires make expansion possible. Cut fast when someone isn’t the right fit.
5️⃣ Move fast when the rules change
Surviving tough markets means getting creative: new products, new ways to sell, and never waiting for things to “go back to normal.”
In this episode we cover:
00:00 Introduction to Lydia Snape
02:05 From Rock Band to Hospitality Entrepreneur
04:32 The Vision Behind Warwick Street Kitchen
07:21 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business
10:20 Building a Community and Marketing Strategy
12:47 Scaling the Business: Expanding Locations
21:45 Surviving the Pandemic: Innovation and Resilience
25:08 Understanding the Numbers: Key Metrics for Success
30:34 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
35:29 Navigating Industry Changes
49:10 Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners
51:33 Know When It's Time To Let People Go
53:09 Challenges Build Character
54:39 Balance in Business & Life: Staying Motivated
57:09 Balancing Sacrifice and Success
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