For the most of us, charity equals donating a penny or two to the needy. A volley of us might go a step further and sponsor for their essentials. But, for Joe Joseph, a 36 year old city-based entrepreneur, the idea of charity was all about offering a helping hand and maybe, another chance.
Through his first debut food venture, Joe’s Joint, the enterprising Bengalurean aims to do just that – to offer employment and learning opportunities to promising youths from underprivileged backgrounds. In a candid chat, he tells us more...
Barely a month old, Joe enthuses how the idea sprouted out of a personal observation of struggle. “When I conjured up the cafe, a close acquaintance was going through a personal turmoil. I saw him take a mighty fall from riches to rags. Coming forward and helping him with a couple of bucks wasn’t the solution. On employing him, I realised how important is it for entrepreneurs hailing from economically backward families or suffering from financial set-backs to be given a platform through which they can earn a livelihood. I’ve always wanted to create opportunities for people, who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to do so,” Shares Joe who went on to hire young culinary enthusiasts and serving staff from the lower strata.
Speaking about how the eco-friendly venture follows a zero wastage policy, Joe adds, “While setting up the cafe, I was clear about not being another addition to those who commit environmental crimes. All the furniture we house , is made of waste jungle wood. I’ve personally picked up wood, which was unusable for anything else.”
In a city, which is thriving with start-ups and bustling with mushrooming ventures that grow manifold by the day, Joe is rather unperturbed by competition.
“The focus is on growth. I wish to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I do not believe in compromising the quality of food either. So, I ensure the ones we have in the house are well-equipped to be good enough with their skills that they don’t seem amateur. The venture focuses on bringing quality food through individuals with a spark. Anything with social relevance and adequate professionalism will grow. That’s my belief.”
On days when the father of two wishes to take a breather, travelling and biking are what he indulges in. “Anything that’s got to do with exploration and travel inspires me. I love spending time with my daughters and going on long drives whenever I can. I also love motor sports, and being a biking enthusiast myself, helping the city’s motor biking community in whatever little way possible has always been on the agenda.”
