Dimitri Dzneladze, Cronera Coffee

Dimitri is the artist and entrepreneur behind Cronera Coffee, a business born from the belief that caffeine and creativity are natural companions. After 20 years of illustrating and painting in London, Dimitri channelled his passion into a space that serves as both a coffee shop and a gallery, providing a platform for fellow artists to showcase their work alongside his own. 

Determined to build his vision from scratch during the challenges of the pandemic, Dimitri turned to his local Business & IP Centre in Waltham Forest for guidance on navigating the complexities of business plans and company set up. With the straightforward, practical support from Stephen Brindle, BIPC Waltham Forest’s Business Adviser, Dimitri successfully opened Cronera Coffee, and now has expanded to a second location – Pygmalioni in Chelsea.

'Meeting Stephen gave me a lot of hope; he was very friendly and helpful. He guided me on how to establish a company and create a business plan. His advice was straightforward and practical, making the process seem much more manageable. I am very grateful for his support!'

Q: What’s your best piece of business advice?

A: 'A friend once told me that before succeeding, you have to fail. And it was like that from the beginning — hard, stressful and demanding. But if you push through the hard work, things do improve and you eventually find your success.'

Q: Which book provided the most inspiration or guidance when you were starting your business journey?

A: 'The most inspiring book I read when I started my business was Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. It’s a powerful reminder of the perseverance and hard work needed to turn a vision into a reality.