Orange Business
The inspiring nature of combining simple, fresh, and fun
Hey, it’s Alexandra. Welcome to my weekly newsletter where I share my latest reflections on professional development and well-being.
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This week, I share the power of businesses that are:
Simple
Fresh
Fun
☕️ Read time: 1 minute (best with tea or coffee)
An invaluable benefit of my solopreneurship journey was developing an eye for what makes a business thrive—from planning and execution to marketing and design.
Once you’re in the driver’s seat, you realize inspiration is everywhere.
Even now that I’m back to 9 to 5-ing, I still have an appreciation for what strikes me—and what I can learn from it.
Take, for example, the Italian “sandwicheria” near my work in Old Montreal.
It’s called Ciccio's and their design and aesthetics are vibrant and visually striking. I especially love how their signature orange “pops.”
Ciccio’s has a bold yet playful vibe and is both modern and retro. It also blends American diner vibes with Italian café style.
I love it.
(Also, their food is fantastic.)
Here’s their one-sentence summary as seen on their website:
“From authentic panini to fresh salads and mouthwatering charcuterie plates, we serve up simple, quality eats that will leave you craving for more.”
Everything about Ciccio’s is simple, fresh, and fun.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or entrepreneurially minded, I’m sure you’d agree it’s tough to combine these three elements.
Ironically, keeping things simple is often the most difficult.
But when I see businesses like Ciccio’s mastering simplicity while exuding freshness and fun, I can’t help but feel inspired.
We need more “orange” businesses.
Thanks for reading and have a wonder-full week,
P.S. If you’re in Old Montreal, pop into Ciccio’s for a bite or an espresso with a zest of inspiration.
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☕️ Reach out to grab coffee or tea in Montreal.
I think I need to come and visit you in Montreal and find a simple, fresh and fun way to do that!
My current company uses flashes of orange in its design vocabulary. Great move by our marketing people, it's been successful and is now part of the company identity.
But let's keep it quiet. I wouldn't want orange to become the next design cliche, like printer ink colors.