Keep on TRUCKIN'

Meet two women who have jumped behind the wheel and are going the extra mile when it comes to business

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It feels great to serve the community'

Shanie Page, 33, is the owner of Grounded, a community-centred wellness and coffee brand. She lives in Ebbsfleet, Kent, with her partner Keith, 34, a project manager.

THE IDEA

I love the wholesome vibe you get with a good coffee shop, and had often thought about setting up my own mobile coffee business. However, I'd always dismissed the idea as impractical and financially untenable. It wasn't until Covid that I realised I no longer wanted to commute to London five days per week for my job as a clinical exercise specialist for older adults. So, in 2022, I decided to make my business dream happen.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

I researched different vehicles and decided a trailer was the best option for me, as it was cheaper than a van, but would provide more shelter than a bike. I also contacted The Kent Foundation, which helps young entrepreneurs. It helped me to write a business plan and secure a small business loan. This enabled me to buy a secondhand trailer, and Grounded was launched in September 2022. I'd had part-time jobs as a barista at uni, however, I enrolled on a barista course as part of my business proposal, along with my Food Hygiene Certification, to prove I was genuinely interested in starting a coffee business.

BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT