For Dawid Bednarek, entrepreneurship runs in the family. As his wife expanded her small business, Salt + Waves Salon, into Hutto, Bednarek saw his opportunity to launch Dwell House Coffee and Tap, a neighborhood craft coffee shop with a dozen ever-rotating craft beers on tap, in addition to wine, seltzers and cocktails.
“My wife started her business three years ago and I saw what it was able to do for her in regards to work/life balance,” he said. “We found a second spot for my wife’s business that had an extra space with a drive thru end unit in it and we knew it was fate to add this to our vision.”
Like so many small business owners, Bednarek underwent a career change in order to chase his passion of creating Dwell House. After a 15-year career in the banking industry as a commercial lender, he made the leap to entrepreneurship, opening his small business last winter.
“It’s always a challenge and a risk when you go out on your own, especially when you are comfortable where you are at work and life,” Bednarek said. “Starting a retail business has a lot of hoops to jump through, but we learned a lot along the way. It's always the first time that is the hardest, but we know a lot now we can use when we expand.”
One of the biggest pieces of advice he offers to those looking to chase their passions and become entrepreneurs is to educate themselves and do the necessary planning before executing.
“It’s scary to do, but you won’t regret it,” he said. “Too many times, fear and not knowing all the answers holds people back, like it did for me for years! Don’t be scared to fail.”
With Dwell House off to a successful start since opening in December, Bednarek is re-energized with his passion and entrepreneurial spirit.
“I think it was always in me, I just needed to find the courage to do it. I truly believe I will always be an entrepreneur from here on out,” he said. “I have so many ideas and aspirations, and I know I will get to them all at some point. I don’t have the fear of failure.”
Located at 2100 Muirfield Bend Drive, Suite 125, Dwell House features numerous food and pastry options along with a selection of local beer and wine. The space also offers a great place to hang out, meet friends, have business meetings or plug in and work remotely. For more information on Dwell House Coffee and Tap, visit the business on Facebook and Instagram.
About This Series
As part of National Small Business Week, the City of Hutto is excited to shine a spotlight on local small businesses. The nationwide theme for #SmallBusinessWeek 2022 is the resiliency and tenacity of America’s entrepreneurs, who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback. For the next couple of weeks, we’ll make daily posts on the City’s Official Instagram page to celebrate the local entrepreneurs whose businesses help make Hutto such a special place to live and shop. Follow along by visiting @cityofhutto on Instagram.
