In this episode of What’s Your Stori?, James sits down with Lisa Fearn, founder of Y Sied Coffee and the original Pumpkin Patch Cookery School. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from working in financial services, to raising five children, to becoming a food educator, author, TV and radio guest, and coffee shop owner in Carmarthen.We dive into the realities of running a coffee and food business in Wales, from navigating VAT challenges to supporting local suppliers, and the passion behind teaching kids (and adults!) vital cooking skills. Lisa also talks about the importance of food education, community, family traditions, and sustainability, values that drive the Y Sied brand today.If you love entrepreneurship, food, coffee culture, or inspiring business stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Lisa Fearn01:00 – Lisa’s day-to-day running Y Sied02:20 – From The Pumpkin Patch to Y Sied Cookery School04:30 – Lisa’s career shift: finance to food & family06:55 – Early entrepreneurial spirit at 1808:50 – Starting a cookery school from her own kitchen10:40 – Why pumpkins? Branding lessons learned12:25 – Teaching kids (and parents) the importance of food14:40 – Growing the business beyond the kitchen16:20 – Building credibility through books, media & festivals17:25 – Challenges of running coffee shops today19:00 – VAT struggles & thin margins in hospitality21:00 – Coffee shop vs food business – which is harder?23:10 – The importance of local sourcing & supporting suppliers26:00 – Future plans for Y Sied & new projects28:50 – Why food education will always be at the core30:00 – Family meals, connection & mental health benefits34:00 – Who inspires Lisa & whose story she’d love to hear35:40 – Where to find Lisa & Y Sied Coffee

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