thinking of starting up my own coffee shop

[JThiessen]

I think its for the best that you aren't starting it right now. Get a part time job at one of the local coffee shops and learn the biz first. IMHO, your orignal plan was doomed to failure just based on lack of experience in ALL facets of it (you have never brewed a cup of coffee, you have never run a "real" business, You have never gone to college, you have never.... this could be a long list..). I dont mean any of that to be negative in any way. Check some of those "experiences" off first so you know what your strengths and weakness's are. You have a good attitude towards it, just add some humility (ie., there are things you need to learn) and you will be good to go. Learning the hard way is a great teaching tool, but I'd hate to see you guys loose that much money on this at such a young age.