Native Business Spotlight

www.sdibaonline.org

CHAR’S CAFE

Charlotte Almanza is the proud owner of Char’s Café. It located in the small rural town of Peever, SD in the northeast part of South Dakota, eight miles east of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Those attending SDIBA’s July 15th quarterly meeting were excited to meet Char and visit her café. Char told us her business is a constant work in progress. She explained she has had to work at it each and every day and has spent long hours building her business. “I guess I’m not that much different than any other small town café, it’s a burgers and fries sort of place but the specialty of my café are my homemade pies. Char shares “Life is too short, have a slice of pie. I have Pie Wednesdays. It’s a very BIG deal. I make a variety of pies, rhubarb custard, sour cream raisin, apple, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry, cherry, coconut cream, lemon meringue and I can’t forget the .10 cent a cup/coffee.” She will also be adding old fashioned bread pudding and flavored coffees to the menu in the near future. Char cautions “Dreams aren't always realized in one big step. Lifelong dreams, like those of running your own business, are often met a bit at a time until one day you wake up and realize that your once far-off goal is now within reach. Starting a business all begins with the first step - the statement, which then turns into a belief, that later turns into an actuality, that I am starting a business. This step happens differently for everyone, but eventually I got over the fear and started my own business.” Despite Char's resounding success as a baker par excellence, she insists on giving credit to the woman who taught her the tricks of the trade, Charlotte Jarman. Charlotte ran the cafe for 47 years before turning it over to Char, and gladly passed along her recipes and know-how along with the keys. Charlotte couldn't have chosen a better person than Char to carry on the tradition of baking top-notch pies. Char explained, “In general, I’m a very creative person who sometimes accomplishes extraordinary things, because I’m passionate about what I do. I’m a risk-taker and optimistic I commit myself to working long hours to reach desired goals. I take pride in what I’m doing and get satisfaction from doing something I enjoy. I also have the flexibility to adjust to changing situations in order to achieve my goals. I believe in starting small.” Char worked hard over several years to build her business into the success it is today. She overcame a lot of fears of failure and self-doubt to get to Char’s Café. She offered these thoughts regarding her journey, “There are three ways I overcame my challenges and found solutions. One, empowering myself with knowledge and finding a mentor, reading books, networking, finding workshops or classes that are related to my business. Two, remembering what I want; I wanted to be my own boss, I wanted to be treated with fairness and equality. Three, independence and to be the change for my children and grand-children, be an example for them that it is possible to be successful in starting a business.” Char is truly a self-made woman. She did not have a local CDFI that offered business training courses nor business loans. Though she did receive some assistance through the Small Business Administration and has received a small business loan from her Tribe’s loan program. Char stated, “It is essential to build

Native Business Spotlight

www.sdibaonline.org

relationships and have a support system. Sometimes, you can’t do everything by yourself. A support network — whether your family, friends, people you meet in networking organizations, or virtual friends — can be your cheerleaders, encouraging you to continue with your path and celebrating all your successes, big and small.” Char continued, “Believe in yourself and in your business. Failure comes when you are uncertain, which in turn makes you question yourself, your capabilities, and the value of your business. You start asking questions like, Can I do it? or Will my business idea work? Shake all those uncertainties, refocus your mind, and believe that your business addresses a need. Your belief in yourself and in your business will project itself to others and help them turn into believers as well. Do what the experts do– practice your ABC, or Action, Belief and Courage.” While visiting Char’s Cafe, she shared a few of her future plans. In addition to some remodeling projects at the cafe, Char will also be implementing a space for the youth of the community. She said she wants them to have a place to call their own from the hours of 5pm to 8pm. Char envisions a cyber stop for the youth. She explained, “We have many youth in this small community that have nowhere to go and I have the space and hours so why not utilize it to fit their needs? That is a future plan and goal. One idea is to have them earn points to buy off their own special menu and to buy minutes for the Wii or time on the internet. They will earn their points by doing a kind deed, participating in some physical activity, or recycling of some sort.” Regarding her business success Char said, “At some point, after you consider all these things, you just take the plunge.” Char further states, “At the end of the day, my success will depend on my ability to manage and grow the business that I shaped to implement my vision.” Char is passionate about her café and all her future plans to grow her business. She offers some final advice to other entrepreneurs, “Dream big. Then figure out the steps you need to take. If you take each step in spite of the discouraging signals, sooner or later, things will come your way. Enjoy the journey!”