How Loving Coffee Can Lead You to Open a Cafe

You’ve walked into a supermarket abroad, spotted a shelf of local coffee beans, picked up a pack—and instantly imagined the dessert that would pair perfectly with it. That’s what coffee can do to you. But what happens when that curiosity becomes obsession? For one former expat, it turned into a life goal: opening a coffee shop where people truly connect over their shared love for great coffee.

If you love coffee enough to dream of opening a cafe, you're already halfway there. The key? Understand the beans, master pairings, and build a space where people come for more than just caffeine—it starts with passion, curiosity, and about three years of hands-on experience behind the bar.

How a Part-Time Job Turned Into a Lifelong Obsession

It all began in Japan, where He Lihua, an 80s-born Chinese student, took a part-time job at a local coffee chain—not out of passion, but financial necessity. “Living costs in Japan were high, and my parents’ allowance wasn’t enough,” she admits. “Getting a job was essential, and immersing myself in the local culture meant working alongside locals.”

What started as a way to pay rent quickly evolved into something deeper. Over three years, she learned everything from coffee origins and roast levels to brewing techniques and food pairings. “I discovered how soil, weather, roast time, and even water flow could change the taste of a single coffee,” she recalls. “It felt like every cup had its own personality.”

Even after exhausting shifts, she’d stay late just to try different beans. “I’d spend hours tasting, comparing, memorizing the subtleties,” she says. Her colleagues joked she worked like an ox—but she was having the time of her life.

From Coffee Curiosity to Flavor Pairing Expert

Beyond the beans themselves, He Lihua became fascinated by how coffee interacted with food. “Each coffee had a unique character, and the right dessert could bring it to life,” she says. She began matching Japanese supermarket finds with sweets in her head—black chocolate notes with tiramisu, fruity beans with light sponge cakes. “Finding a special coffee felt like uncovering treasure,” she adds.

Coffee became her refuge during stressful study and work periods. “It helped me calm down, especially when dealing with cultural shocks and financial pressures,” she explains. Every night, she’d grind beans, brew coffee, and pair it with desserts, all while listening to soft music. “That rich aroma and slight bitterness? Perfect for quiet reflection.”

The Dream: A Community-Focused Cafe in Guangzhou

Years later, He Lihua returned to China and settled in Guangzhou with a stable job. But her dream never faded. “I want to open a cafe that’s not about being the most high-end, but about bringing coffee lovers together,” she shares. “A place with soul, culture, and a bit of joy.”

Her ideal shop would feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, the constant aroma of fresh coffee, and a community of fellow enthusiasts. “We’d serve wine too,” she says. “Sometimes, a deeper kind of relaxation beats hitting the bars.”

She envisions a relaxed space where people enjoy the bold, bitter notes of espresso while chatting over coffee. “When everyone else is rushing by, you’re savoring a moment—that’s the reward.”

While she hasn’t yet opened the doors, her vision remains clear: a place where coffee connects people, inspired by years of tasting, learning, and dreaming. And when she does, she knows exactly which beans to start with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did He Lihua develop her deep knowledge of coffee?

He Lihua worked for three years at a coffee chain in Japan, where she learned about coffee origins, roast levels, brewing methods, flavor profiles, and food pairings through hands-on experience and daily customer interaction.

Why did she start paying attention to coffee and dessert pairings?

While in Japan, she began imagining desserts that would complement different coffees after reading their back labels. Over time, she became skilled at pairing various beans with sweets like tiramisu or sponge cake based on flavor notes.

What inspired her to want to open a coffee shop?

Her time in Japan made coffee a comforting ritual. Upon returning to Guangzhou, she dreamed of creating a community-focused cafe where coffee lovers could gather, learn, and enjoy a more meaningful alternative to bars.

What kind of atmosphere does she want in her future cafe?

She imagines a bright, welcoming space with floor-to-ceiling windows, the smell of fresh coffee, and a vibe that encourages conversation and relaxation—more cultural hub than commercial chain.

Does she plan to serve anything besides coffee?

Yes, she wants to include wine and possibly other beverages or treats to create a multi-sensory, adult-oriented relaxation spot beyond typical coffee shop offerings.

How important was her part-time job to her coffee journey?

Crucial. Though she started for financial reasons, the job gave her three intensive years of learning every aspect of coffee, turning a necessity into a lifelong passion and professional foundation.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Your Dream Cafe

To bring He Lihua’s vision to life, start with FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—known for its smooth body and rich crema, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. Pair it with the Specialty Blend for everyday espresso drinks, offering a balanced, familiar flavor profile. For single-origin highlights, try the PWN Golden Mandheling with its low acidity and deep chocolatey notes, ideal for those who prefer bold, earthy cups. All three beans are crowd-pleasers with proven performance in both home and café settings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.