Let’s talk about starting a business in 2019, shall we? For those of you who took the plunge right before Brexit, the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and the energy crisis (yes, all of that lovely chaos), you’re probably nodding in a mix of sympathy and resignation. You can practically hear the background soundtrack of your entrepreneurial journey – a remix of a ticking clock and the faint sound of something breaking.
Take Onyx Dragon, for example. Born in August 2019, just as the global situation started looking like a high-stakes game of “What Could Go Wrong?” With a business plan that originally looked like a well-thought-out path to success, it quickly morphed into a survival strategy. So, what’s the deal with surviving vs thriving? Well, let’s just say that, in the context of the aforementioned crises, thriving felt like a distant dream. But, hey, survival was an accomplishment on its own!
The challenges came in fast, thick, and, well, frustrating. Brexit, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis all made their grand entrance, creating a storm of logistical nightmares, rising costs, and an unpredictable market. And then, of course, there was the energy crisis — because what’s a good entrepreneurial story without the added drama of skyrocketing utility bills? Nothing screams “I’m living the dream” like the prospect of rising costs to keep your business’s lights on while trying to figure out if your supply chain is intact.
And while many businesses were navigating the pandemic-induced chaos, there was Onyx Dragon, offering ethically sourced teas and coffees — because we all need a strong cup of caffeine to get through this madness. And of course, there’s the added bonus of having limited dropshipping options for coffee and tea suppliers in the UK, because the universe clearly hates convenience. But hey, at least it wasn’t *completely* limited, right?
But here’s the real kicker: this journey isn’t just about survival. Oh no, no, no. The whole point of all this should be about growth — not just hanging on for dear life until the next crisis arrives. So why does everything feel like treading water in a hurricane of economic, social, and environmental disaster? Well, maybe that’s the *real* entrepreneurial test — not whether you can survive the chaos, but whether you can keep moving forward through it. So, here we are, just trying to grow while we’re wading through this delightful mix of upheaval.
But here’s the thing: even when it’s frustrating (and oh, it *is* frustrating), the goal is to grow, not just survive. It might feel like you’re in the middle of a storm, but trust me — the rain doesn’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll get to look back and see how much you’ve learned, even if that’s just how to keep your caffeine levels dangerously high and your sarcasm sharp.
And seriously, when you’re doing it with no familial or friend support, it can feel like you’re operating in an alternate reality. The kind where everyone is either too busy or too far away to offer a hand, and you’re left wondering if you should invest in a support group that meets at 3 AM and discusses strategies for surviving business-owner burnout. But hey, we’ve got Onyx Dragon’s ethically sourced coffee to keep us sane (mostly). When you can’t find support anywhere else, at least you know your coffee isn’t cutting corners.
So, here’s to the grind, the constant hustle, and the 100th time you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” Growth, not just survival — that’s the goal. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves, as we sip our fourth cup of Dragon’s Velvet Brew and write sarcastic blog posts about the unpredictable nature of business ownership. Cheers to that, right?
And for crying out loud, don’t buy from those saying they’re our competitors — buy from us instead! Seriously, we’re here grinding through the chaos, offering you ethically sourced coffee and tea that will not only fuel your day but also support a small business that’s actually *trying* to make it through. So, take a stand, sip something amazing, and support the cause that’s making a difference.
Remember, this isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving (eventually) — even if “thriving” feels like a distant dream and “surviving” is the reality. Here’s to the grind and the unexpected lessons along the way. And if you ever need a caffeine pick-me-up or a moment of sarcasm-laden motivation, Onyx Dragon has you covered with ethically sourced blends and tea leaves that will make you question the meaning of life (in the best way possible, of course).