Mom Transforms Veranda Into A Tiny Coffee Shop For Only P5,000!
She hopes to inspire others to pursue their passion and open their own business at home.
Just like other parents, Mai Pimentel De Dios, a stay-at-home mom from Silang, Cavite, was hit by the home improvement bug during the quarantine. While fixing their veranda, she and her husband Sean suddenly thought, "possible kaya maging coffee shop, 'to?"
The 33-year-old mom is a painter, and her family and friends love coffee. That's why they thought of building a space where people can view her art pieces while enjoying some good food and drinks.
"We named it HeBrews 11:11 - Faithful is the One who promised," Mai tells SmartParenting.com.ph in an interview via Facebook Messenger.
How to open a coffee shop at home
Since their business is located at home, they only spent Php5,000 for the capital: "Kasama na DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and barangay permits, food and mga binili like tissue, candles, light bulbs, and electric cord," she shares.
Since Sean crafts wooden products for a living, he is the one who took care of how the coffee shop would look. It took them a month to set everything up.
"Interior and concept, hindi na kami nag-hire. Bukod sa walang pang hire haha, mahilig din naman ako mag-ayos ng mga bagay-bagay kaya feeling ko na achieve naman 'yung goal namin," Mai explains.
"Most of the things na ginamit (sa shop) meron na kami. So, 'di na kami bumili, kasama na paleta scrap. Sa plants naman, ayan na 'yung meron kami talaga," she adds.
Their menu is simple: Pasta and pastries for now. But they plan to add rice meals, care of her husband, and introduce a new menu from time to time.
"During pandemic, andami namin nadiscover na sariling recipe. Ayun ang gusto namin i-share sa menu."
As expected, their chef, barista, and wait staff consist of family members. Yes, including their two kids, Laxus, 7, and Duo, 2.
"We want to train our kids to be responsible sa tasks given to them kaya gusto naming involved sila - but with safety measures, siyempre," Mai shares.
Their café will have its soft opening on March 12 and will be operational only on weekends - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays - and only for a few hours, between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will only cater to 5 people max.
To make sure their kids are protected, customers are asked to book in advance with their orders and fill out a health declaration form upon arrival. Safety measures will be in place at all times.
Mai admits that they opened their tiny café not to generate income, but to provide a chill, hangout spot where people can connect with each other, talk, appreciate art, or just read a good book while enjoying food and coffee at the same time.
"We can open on days na we know we can [cater to customers], 'yung hindi kami sobrang busy, and with a specific time and day lang," Mai shares. "Sobrang dami nang interested and gusto mag-visit."
"Dati pangarap lang namin ito. Ngayon, eto na," she adds.
For reservations and more information, visit their Facebook page at HeBrews 11:11.
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Yummy.ph editors.
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