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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