When we first interviewed you back in 2003 for WomenandBiz.com’s first issue, Zinc Bar was about to celebrate its 10th year anniversary and you had just opened Flatiron Lounge with your brother Alex. A few years later you opened Pegu Club.
How have your ventures changed, if in anyway, since you’ve established the first business?
Kristina Kossi
Not too much, I am still creating, designing and opening clubs. Alex and I have been improving upon the formula that has worked for us for 15 years at Zinc Bar. This coming October, we are very excited to be moving to our new bigger space on West 3rd street.
What are the most difficult challenges you faced as your businesses were growing?
Spending time at each one, I’m at Zinc Bar most of the time, but I am fortunate enough to have great partners that are at Flatiron Lounge and Pegu Club.
How do you balance your personal life and motherhood with running and growing your businesses?
Because I’m a business owner, I can arrange my schedule, but it requires a lot of discipline. Firstly, and always important to me is that the kids are happy, and I’ve spent enough time with them, and then, spending time with friends or taking a class or two, for myself.
What do you find most rewarding as an entrepreneur?
I love being a part of the creation and the design of the different clubs. As well, putting my heart and soul into a place like Zinc Bar and hearing customers leaving say, “I really love this place, I had such a good time”.
Our special edition’s theme is Stay the Course – What are the most important lessons you learned to help you stay the course and continue to grow?
To stay the course! When you have something with potential, you have to stick with it, there have been many times that I wanted to do something else, like paint or dance, but I’ve learned that sticking to something that is great, even though it can be difficult or a lot of work, often pays out in the long run, it takes a lot of patience.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, building the new Zinc Bar, and, then taking some time off. And, I always say, this is the last place, but then some great idea comes along and…
How can our readers find out more information about you and your businesses?
Come by the club! You can also get information about the businesses on our websites: Zincbar.com, Flatironlounge.com and Peguclub.com.