Industry veteran and coffee consultant Laila Ghambari shares her advice on how to build a sustainable business.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos courtesy of Laila Ghambari
Yesterday, in part one of this article, we began our conversation with Laila Ghambari: an industry veteran who transitioned from being a barista and competitor to now working as a coffee consultant, regular Barista Magazine contributor, and entrepreneur.
Today, we continue our discussion with Laila to dive into her work as a consultant, her engagement with the Iranian barista community, and her thoughts on the future of the coffee industry. With so many roles—from CEO to brand ambassador—she shares insights on leadership, sustainability, and what excites her most about what’s ahead.
Barista Magazine Online: You’ve been working as a consultant for years. What are the most common challenges coffee shop owners face?
Laila Ghambari: Two things: business knowledge and leadership skills. Many people start coffee shops because they love coffee, not necessarily because they understand business. Profit margins are slim, and managing cash flow, pricing, and costs is crucial. The other big challenge is people management—creating strong policies, training teams, and developing leadership within a business.
What makes a good client? What should a business prepare before working with a consultant like you?
The best clients are open to feedback. A consultant’s job is to provide an outside perspective, and often, I tell business owners things they already know but need validation on. Being flexible and willing to make changes is key.
Can you talk about the importance of investing in human capital? What steps are you taking at the coffee company you recently acquired, Guilder, to implement your consulting practices?
We’ve maintained and even expanded the employee benefits that Junior’s (Roasted Coffee) and Guilder had. Investing in our team—fair wages, training, and career growth—is essential for a sustainable business and supply chain.
You’ve done a lot of work with the Iranian barista community. Can you tell us more about that and why it’s important to you?
Growing up, I never felt deeply connected to my Iranian heritage. But working with the Iranian barista community helped me connect with my roots in a meaningful way. Hosting competitions in Iran was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and seeing the growth of coffee culture there is inspiring.
As a brand ambassador, how do you ensure authenticity in your collaborations?
I only work with brands I truly believe in. I’m not a salesperson—I want to educate people on products that can genuinely help them. Total flexibility in what I say is a must; I won’t read from a script unless I stand by every word.
You have over 700 subscribers via your newsletter and social media. How does this help you connect with the greater coffee community?
Social media wasn’t easy for me at first, but it’s become an essential way to connect with people. Owning a coffee business has given me so much more content to share—the behind-the-scenes reality of running a coffee company, not just the glamorous parts.
You are a mother to three small children, co-own a coffee company, and run a consulting business! What advice would you give to those just starting out?
I’ve always been a high achiever—I don’t wait for opportunities, I create them. But I’ve also learned the hard way about burnout. If I could do it again, I’d slow down, be more selective, and avoid comparison. Ground yourself in your values and let them guide your decisions.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the coffee industry?
The industry feels uncertain right now, but innovation is key. I’m keeping an eye on shifting product trends—energy drinks, matcha, boba—because consumer preferences are changing. Leadership and adaptability will be crucial for businesses moving forward.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in coffee?
Be patient. It takes time to grow in this industry. Learn the craft, develop efficiency, and focus on leadership. Once you master managing people, the opportunities are endless.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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