Audrey and Paul Vermilyea

Paul and Audrey Vermilyea, leveraging their business degrees and connections, turned their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality with Monarch Espresso Bar and Moonshot Creamery.

Their love for a small coffee shop in Nashville sparked an idea that would eventually bring them back to Tuscaloosa. In 2016, the Vermilyeas launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund Monarch Espresso Bar, their first venture in Tuscaloosa.

Their journey wasn’t without hurdles. Their second venture, Domo, a specialty seafood and wine shop, faced unsustainable costs and a narrow customer base, leading to its closure.

“Getting comfortable with the idea of failure was crucial,” they reflected. “When we did have to close Domo, we were able to pivot quickly and focus on something new, which turned out to be Moonshot Creamery.”

Mentors from Culverhouse not only provided academic guidance but also served as pillars of support and inspiration as Paul and Audrey navigated the complexities of business ownership.

Key Takeaways

Adapt to the marketplace, but carve out your own unique identity

Find mentors who will encourage you to think critically and creatively

A focus on quality over quantity will lead to exceptional experiences and repeat business