How a Cup of Coffee Sparked a Career Change

Most people daydream about opening a coffee shop—the aroma, the conversations, the quiet hum of the espresso machine. But few consider the daily grind: cleaning grinders at dawn, making drinks nonstop, and facing months, even years, without profit. For Zhang Li, that dream became reality, and the reality wasn’t what she expected.

If you’re thinking of opening a coffee shop, here’s the hard truth: expect to work alone in a 48-square-meter space, do every task yourself, and be ready to lose money at first. Zhang Li did just that—and survived.

The Dream Begins with a Backpack and Burnout

Zhang Li, now 33, spent her early career in real estate but burned out quickly. After three years, she bought a backpack and hit the road, traveling from Yantai south and west across China. Over three years, she worked odd jobs—photography, waiting tables, and pulling espresso shots—to fund her journey. In late 2011, family concerns brought her back to Yantai with no clear career path.

"At nearly 30, unmarried and childless, job interviews ended as soon as they saw my résumé," she said. "It was a vicious cycle—no job, no prospects for dating; no dating, no job." With limited options and a desire to settle, she chose to open a business based on her skills: photography and coffee. Photography studios demanded too much versatility, so coffee it was.

The First Shop: Small, Scrappy, and Self-Funded

Her parents opposed the idea. "Back then, Yantai had almost no independent coffee shops. The few that existed, like Deep Blue, had already closed. People thought there was no market for coffee here," Zhang recalled. But she had her heart set on it—and a passion for brewing.

In May 2012, she opened her first café in Zhifu District’s Mianzhi Street. The space was tiny: just 48 square meters, with minimal decor. She invested 200,000 RMB of her own savings and ran the entire operation solo. "I knew it wouldn’t be romantic. Making coffee for a living is hard work," she said. Her days were a blur of opening the shop, cleaning, washing cups, and brewing coffee nonstop—often without time to sit down.

Growth, Expansion, and the Realities of Ownership

As customers trickled in, the little shop felt cramped, and the simple decor aged quickly. On New Year’s Day of this year, Zhang opened a second location on Shangkuang West Road. At 260 square meters over two floors, it offered more comfort—but also more complexity.

Beyond coffee, she added juice, non-coffee drinks, and French cakes based on customer demand. Evenings brought beer. She also launched training classes for baking and coffee. But success didn’t come overnight.

What They Don’t Tell You About Owning a Cafe

"Many people romanticize coffee shops. They think it’s all about atmosphere and leisure. I tell them: if that’s your only reason, don’t do it. Sit in a café as a customer instead," Zhang advised. "Owning a coffee shop means doing the same tasks over and over—day after day. It’s repetitive and dull. Without real passion, you won’t last."

She warned against jumping in blindly. "Coffee shops can take two or three years to break even. If you’re not 100% committed or clear on your ‘why,’ don’t do it. The best first step? Work in a café. Learn the rhythm, the grind, and the reality—then decide."

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Zhang Li invest in her first coffee shop?

Zhang Li invested 200,000 RMB of her own money to open her first 48-square-meter coffee shop in Yantai’s Zhifu District.

What was Zhang Li’s background before opening a coffee shop?

Before opening her coffee shop, Zhang Li worked in real estate for three years, then traveled across China for three years, working various jobs including photography and as a barista.

Why did Zhang Li choose to open a coffee shop instead of a photography studio?

Zhang Li chose a coffee shop over a photography studio because running a photo studio required handling too many roles—makeup, editing, etc.—while she already had barista skills and a passion for coffee.

What additional offerings did Zhang Li add at her second location?

At her second, larger location, Zhang Li added juice, non-coffee drinks, French cakes, evening beer service, and training classes for coffee and baking.

What advice does Zhang Li give to people who want to open a coffee shop?

Zhang Li advises aspiring coffee shop owners to work in a café first, understand the daily grind, and be sure they have a strong passion for coffee—not just the ambiance.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Startups

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