We had the good fortune of connecting with Kofi Maafo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kofi, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
When I have had the chance to think through an idea and done my research, I have this habit of not taking the words “IT’S NOT POSSIBLE” as a challenge and want to prove that, “IT IS POSSIBLE.” Once I believe that I can do something, I am willing to take the time to go through the process to make it work. I don’t believe in shortcuts to success. I’ve never seen that workout well for anyone because success is a very heavy burden to carry. I believe in building the roots or muscle to carry that burden of success.

What should our readers know about your business?

What sets our business apart is the originality in everything we ever do. We try hard not to follow an industry pattern of what is believed to be in vogue. We spend time developing products that suit our consumer. We got to where we are as a business not through luck but the company’s real hard-time dedication. I say this because all the odds were against my business partner and I, and till date, we still get some push as being underdogs who don’t deserve success in our line of hospitality. These naysayers have a special way of keeping your business partner motivated.

It is never easy because success has a way of trading some precious things with you for that success. In this line of work it was time with family and always being there for family as much as you want. For six years I have missed the chance to celebrate with family every important holiday on the calendar. Christmas and New Year’s haven’t been the same. I have learned many lessons on my journey as an entrepreneur, but the most recent lesson was to stop thinking you can help every friend through your business. More often than not, it will hurt your relationship with them, so try to draw the line between friends and work. I truly want to be a brand that interacts with consumers and leaves them to leave experiences that make them ambassadors of joy and happiness to anyone they meet outside. Spreading happiness through hospitality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Atlanta now, my favorite places to eat are Little Alley Steak and Iberian Pig. When it comes to catching a vibe and great music, we will definitely visit Rock Steady late sessions on any day. I love art, so a few art galleries, and lastly, you can’t visit Atlanta in the coming months and not come to Bloom Bar. That will be the icing on the cake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When we mention love as support, that comes straight from my mother. She believes in any crazy dream I advocate, and she supports it halfheartedly. Unfortunately, I have never had a mentor. I used to want one so badly, but I never had the opportunity to have anyone be my mentor. I did gain some inspiration from two books that I read, and they are like a bible to me. Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cents’ book “Hustle Hard, Hustle Smarter” and “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara.

Website: http://www.bloombargh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloombargh/?hl=en

Other: bloom bar ATL site is under construction. https://www.instagram.com/bloombar.atl/?hl=en

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.