LivUni Enterprise: Saswat's Story

Posted on: 17 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Enterprise

Saswat Tiwari is Class of 2022 Master in Management graduate who has set up a business called The Churro Kingdom.

My business is called The Churro Kingdom. But The Churro Kingdom is more than just a business for me, it is a sweet innovation that began in Liverpool. We embarked on this delicious journey to redefine the dessert experience. It started by drawing inspiration from the vibrant dessert culture of Spain. Churros, with their crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, have always been a favourite treat.

The menu is a testament to creativity, featuring a wide variety of churros, sundaes, and even savoury churros. We offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. We want everyone to indulge in our delicious offerings in a guilt-free way. So, our business isn't just about making churros; it's about rewriting the rules of the dessert industry. The Churro Kingdom isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to experience a revolution in every bite.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Starting a business presents real-world challenges that theoretical knowledge sometimes cannot prepare you for. For instance, the idea of setting up everything from scratch, ensuring the very first churro served met the highest quality and taste standards was daunting. It was quite overwhelming at times. Finding the right vendors, seeking proper guidance, understanding the legalities - these were some of the major roadblocks.

However, I knew that I had to take the first step to make it happen. Learning to trust my instincts and the process played a vital role in overcoming these challenges. Believing that everything would eventually fall into place gave me the confidence and surrounding myself with a positive and experienced people was another key factor.

Perhaps the most critical lesson was understanding that I was the ultimate decision-maker. It was my responsibility to shape the destiny of The Churro Kingdom. This realization marked a significant step in my personal growth as an entrepreneur.

What are some of the milestones or achievements in your entrepreneurial journey that you are most proud of?

In my journey, there have been some standout moments that fill me with pride. The first one was opening our first stall at the University of Liverpool marked the exciting beginning of our venture. It was a thrilling moment to see my dream turn into a reality.

Second was diversifying our menu. We introduced an array of churros, sundaes, and even savoury churros. This move not only broadened our offerings but also catered to a wider range of tastes.

Another one was securing the right machinery, nailing down branding strategies, and sourcing quality raw materials that enabled me to maintain top-notch quality while managing costs and ensuring the sustainability of our business.

One of the best ones have to be the heart-warming response and feedback from our customers. Their enthusiasm, loyalty, and trust in our brand remind us that we're on the right path. 

What advice would you give to other students who are considering starting their own business?

Start by identifying a genuine problem your business can solve. Conduct thorough market research to understand competition, target audience, and industry trends. Build a dedicated and diverse team with unique skills. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections.

Consider bootstrapping in the early stages to maintain control and minimize debt. Prioritize quality in your product or service. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and stay adaptable in a changing market. Utilize technology for marketing, operations, and customer engagement. Keep a close eye on your finances by regularly reviewing budgets and statements. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals in your industry. Maintain a work-life balance to avoid burnout. Celebrate small milestones to boost morale. Actively seek and listen to customer feedback to improve your offerings.

Have you accessed any support from the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Team at the University of Liverpool? 

I did have the privilege of receiving support from the University of Liverpool's Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Team. I had the opportunity to access funding through the Enterprise Fund event and participate in the "Design Your Future" course.

Through these avenues, I was not only able to secure vital funding for my start-up but also gained a spot among the top eight shortlisted pitches. These experiences were game-changers in my entrepreneurial journey and significantly contributed to the success of The Churro Kingdom.

Alison, Lucky, and the team were especially supportive and provided insights that significantly contributed towards this funding support. The University's support proved to be a stepping stone for my entrepreneurial journey, and I'm immensely grateful for their assistance and guidance.