Heather McDougall: HB Mobile Coffee enjoys COVID boom
When Heather McDougall lost her job because of COVID, she took a risk and launched a business that has thrived in the pandemic … And, her ‘office’ views are pretty good too.
Manly
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When Heather McDougall lost her job in March due to the economic fallout of COVID she bravely launched a new business – and it’s taken off, ironically in part, because of the pandemic.
The 27-year-old from Manly decided to open a mobile coffee van and is now doing so well, thanks to all the city workers based at home, she is looking to employ someone.
Ms McDougall had planned to launch a coffee business this year.
But when she unexpectedly lost her job from Barrel One Coffee Roasters in Manly, in March, she decided to fast forward her plans, going out on the road in early April.
“I had originally planned to do events, real estate auctions and go to Northern Beaches Hospital, but I couldn’t do any of that during COVID,” Ms McDougall said.
“So, I had to adapt.”
She was booked by residents of a cul-de-sac in Narraweena on her first day, and she still goes there once a week because “they’re lovely”.
On the second day she decided to try Tania Park in Balgowlah and found there was a great demand from dog walkers, people out exercising and business types, working from home.
“I chose Tania Park on my second day and have been going back ever since,” Ms McDougall said.
After the rush starts to slow after 9am, she then tours a couple of schools in the area to catch teachers during their morning recess.
She has made friends with the teachers at Balgowlah Heights and Balgowlah Boys and was even invited to go to one teacher’s wedding – via Zoom of course.
She’s now selling around 80 coffees a day, between 7am to noon.
Until recently she was working seven day a week. Now she is looking to employ someone to work a couple of days because there's plenty of business available.
“I have the world’s best customers,” she said.
“My business is different to what I planned because of COVID, but I am surviving and doing well.”
Have you got a business that has boomed because of COVID? Get in touch with julie.cross@news.com.au.