IVlog 1: Bakaran Sini Dulu - My Entrepreneurial Journey

Hey guys, welcome to my first IVlog! I'm so stoked to finally start documenting my journey into the world of entrepreneurship. For this first episode, we're diving headfirst into Bakaran Sini Dulu, my little venture focused on...you guessed it, delicious grilled goodness! I'm beyond excited to share the behind-the-scenes of building this business, the challenges, the wins (hopefully!), and everything in between. So, grab a snack, settle in, and let's get this entrepreneurial fire started. This is gonna be a wild ride, and I'm so glad you're here to experience it with me!

The Spark: Why Bakaran Sini Dulu?

So, why Bakaran Sini Dulu? Well, the idea sparked from a simple love for good food and the thrill of the grill. I've always loved the social aspect of cooking and sharing meals, and there's something magical about the aroma of grilled food that brings people together. I've always been one for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, and it’s always been my go-to when i’m hosting friends or family. It's my happy place, I guess. I figured, why not turn that passion into something more? And thus, Bakaran Sini Dulu was born, right into the burning embers of inspiration. The vision was simple: create a space where people could enjoy high-quality grilled food in a fun, relaxed environment. I wanted to create a place that felt like a backyard barbecue, where people could kick back, relax, and enjoy great food and company. The name itself, which loosely translates to “Grill Here First” – a call to action. It’s an invitation, a statement of intent. It's a promise of flavorful food and good times. The main idea for starting this business was to create something I was truly passionate about. I wanted to build something from the ground up, to be my own boss, and to have the freedom to make my own decisions. The idea of building a business from scratch seemed absolutely terrifying. But I also saw it as an opportunity. A way to learn, grow, and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. There's a lot of guts and determination involved when starting up, it really is like a roller coaster, but a fun one.

The Idea Behind the Food and Concept

I really wanted the concept to be super simple at first. The focus would be on a carefully curated menu of grilled items. We’re talking juicy burgers, flavorful skewers, perfectly grilled chicken, and maybe even some adventurous options down the line. We would create a cozy atmosphere, music playing and the smell of the grill wafting through the air. The concept was all about simple goodness. High-quality ingredients, prepared with care, and served with a smile. I knew I couldn't be everything to everyone right away, so I decided to start small. A focused menu would allow me to perfect the recipes and provide the best possible experience for my customers. As the business grows, I plan on expanding the menu and adding new items, but for now, we're keeping it simple and delicious. I wanted it to be the kind of place you'd bring your friends, the kind of place where you could celebrate a special occasion, or just grab a quick bite after work. I wanted people to feel at home when they walked through the door. It was important to me, to create a place that wasn't just about the food, but about the whole experience. From the moment they stepped inside, I wanted people to feel welcomed, relaxed, and excited. So, what about the name? The name needed to be catchy, memorable, and reflective of the core values. I wanted something that would capture the essence of what Bakaran Sini Dulu was all about. The name is an invitation, but also a statement of intent. It's a promise of flavorful food and good times. From the beginning, I wanted to create a welcoming, friendly, and vibrant place where people could come together and enjoy great food. And I think that’s what Bakaran Sini Dulu really is all about!

The Initial Steps: Planning and Preparation

Okay, so the idea was there, the vision was set, but where do you even start? Well, my friends, the first step was a mountain of planning. I mean, we're talking about market research, menu planning, creating a budget, and all the nitty-gritty details that make a business actually, you know, work. First things first, research. I spent weeks – literally, weeks – researching the local market, checking out the competition, and identifying the gaps. Who were my potential customers? What were they looking for? What could I offer that was unique and special? I also started sketching out the initial menu, keeping in mind the availability of ingredients, the ease of preparation, and, of course, the taste! Then came the budgeting. Oh, the budget! I'm no financial wizard, but I knew I needed to get a handle on the costs involved. I put together a detailed budget, factoring in everything from rent and utilities to supplies and marketing expenses. This was crucial for figuring out how much capital I needed and how much I needed to charge to make a profit. Once all the foundational stuff was ready, it was time to find a location! Location, location, location! I searched for a suitable spot that was in a high-traffic area, with good visibility and easy access. I considered things like the size of the space, the available parking, and the surrounding businesses. I mean, the right location can make or break a business, right?

Key elements in the preparation phase.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the key elements of the preparation phase. We all know that choosing a suitable location is a critical decision. I spent countless hours scouting different areas, weighing the pros and cons of each spot. Considerations included things like foot traffic, proximity to residential areas, and the availability of parking. Once I found a location that ticked all the boxes, it was time for the next big step: securing the necessary permits and licenses. This part was a bit of a bureaucratic maze, but I knew it was essential to operate legally. The list included everything from food handling permits to business licenses. I also needed to make sure the space was up to code, so I hired contractors to make the necessary renovations. Now, the menu planning! The goal was to create a menu that was both appealing and manageable. I spent hours experimenting with different recipes, perfecting the flavors, and sourcing high-quality ingredients. I also wanted to offer a variety of options, including vegetarian choices. A great menu is the cornerstone of any successful food business. Then came marketing and branding. What did I want Bakaran Sini Dulu to be known for? What kind of image did I want to project? I worked on creating a brand identity that was fun, friendly, and reflective of the core values of the business. Branding includes everything from the name and logo to the overall aesthetic of the space. All of these initial steps laid the foundation for Bakaran Sini Dulu. They were tough, but these steps helped make sure I was well-prepared for the challenges ahead and had a solid plan to guide me.

Challenges and Roadblocks

Alright, let's get real for a second. Starting a business is not a walk in the park. It's a rollercoaster, a marathon, a series of hurdles, and all sorts of other metaphors that describe the ups and downs. I’ve definitely faced my fair share of challenges already. Money was always the biggest one. Funding a new business is tough! I had to figure out how to stretch my budget and make every dollar count. Another issue that kept popping up was finding the right suppliers, but after a bit of research, I think I was able to find some decent ones. There were also the unexpected issues. Leaky roof, broken appliances, and other unforeseen expenses were, let's say, a little stressful. But you know what? We get through it. We adapt. We learn. We find solutions. The biggest lesson? Expect the unexpected, and always have a backup plan (or two, or three!).

Overcoming the Obstacles

So, how did I get over all those issues? First off, I developed the money. I had to learn how to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. I started searching for the best deals on supplies, negotiating with suppliers, and using every resource available. Secondly, I needed to make sure I found the right suppliers. It was a matter of finding the right balance of price, quality, and reliability. This meant doing my homework, getting recommendations, and being willing to shop around until I found the right fit. It took a lot of research, but it was worth the effort in the end. Lastly, there were those unexpected emergencies. That's when I learned the importance of having a cushion, a reserve for those unforeseen expenses. This helped me to stay calm and focused when things went wrong. Also, remember to stay flexible and adapt. Sometimes, it's about seeing problems not as obstacles, but as learning opportunities. Every challenge, I've found, is a chance to grow, to improve, and to make the business even better. I learned so much from dealing with these problems.

The Wins: Early Successes and Milestones

Amidst all the challenges, there have been some serious wins that are motivating me to keep moving forward. One of the biggest wins was getting the doors open! Seeing customers walk in, enjoying the food, and leaving with smiles on their faces – that was the moment I realized that it was all worth it. The positive feedback from customers has been a huge boost to my morale. People love the food, the atmosphere, and the whole experience. I was able to build a team. Finding and training staff has been a huge accomplishment, too! A great team is crucial for any business, and I'm so grateful to have found people who are passionate, hard-working, and dedicated to the success of Bakaran Sini Dulu. I've also been able to create a strong social media presence. These social media platforms are great for marketing the business. I think it’s been a really good tool.

Celebrating the small wins!

Let’s celebrate the wins a bit more! The opening day was the biggest win of all! After months of planning, preparation, and hard work, I was finally able to open the doors. It was a huge relief and a feeling of excitement. Another major win has been customer satisfaction. Seeing people enjoy the food and have a good time has been incredibly rewarding. It’s what I set out to do, and knowing I'm achieving that goal is an amazing feeling. I've been doing what I love, and I can be proud of the work I've done. Also, it’s important to acknowledge my team. I think it is important to find people who are just as passionate about the food as I am. This goes a long way to creating a great atmosphere. The social media presence is the best tool for promoting the business. I’m always striving to create high-quality content that engages with the target audience.

Future Plans: Where Do We Go From Here?

So, what's next for Bakaran Sini Dulu? Well, the future is looking bright! First off, I want to expand the menu, adding some exciting new items, experimenting with different flavors, and maybe even introducing some seasonal specials. I’m also looking at the possibility of opening a second location. I'm also really focused on building a strong community around the brand. I want to host events, collaborate with other local businesses, and create a space where people feel connected. There's so much to look forward to, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me! I'm also planning on optimizing the business. The plan is to invest in some new equipment to increase efficiency and improve the quality. I’m also working on marketing and promotion. I am looking to increase brand awareness. I have a lot on the plate, but that’s the entrepreneurial life, right?

Specific Goals for the future

Let’s dive deeper into some specific goals. Menu expansion is a big one. I plan on introducing new dishes, exploring different flavors, and experimenting with seasonal specials. I'm always looking for ways to improve, to keep things fresh and exciting, and keep the menu interesting. Secondly, the second location. I think it would be great to expand, and open a second location. This would allow me to reach more customers. It also represents growth and progress. The plans also include community engagement. I really want to create a space that fosters a sense of community. This is done through hosting events, and working with other local businesses. There’s a lot to be excited about, and I can't wait to see where Bakaran Sini Dulu goes from here! Finally, a good investment in new equipment is always good. This investment would increase the efficiency, and ultimately, improve the quality of the food. These are just some of the goals I'm aiming for. I’m excited about the future and what it has in store for Bakaran Sini Dulu!

Conclusion: The Entrepreneurial Fire Burns On

So, there you have it, guys! That's a glimpse into the first steps of my entrepreneurial journey with Bakaran Sini Dulu. It's been an amazing, challenging, and rewarding experience so far, and I'm so grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. I'm excited to keep you all updated on the ups and downs, the wins and losses, and everything in between. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for the next IVlog. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you don't miss out on any future episodes. Until next time, keep grilling, keep dreaming, and keep the entrepreneurial fire burning!