From an eight square-meter road side coffee shop established in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, this couple from Kalayaan, Laguna managed to expand their business to accommodate 100 dine-in individuals.
“We started in December 2020 with no sitting capacity. As in it’s just takeout place or coffee shop. Since nag-start kami nang walang sitting or table talaga or sitting areas, may mga queue. So medyo mahaba na ‘yung line. So kailangan, siguro ‘pag nag-aantay sila, may uupuan sila,” owner Isabella Ragaza told The Philippine STAR.
During that time, the couple did not think about expansion at all since they wanted to focus on their first business.
“Before, hindi talaga namin naisip. To be honest, hindi talaga namin ineexpect or hindi kami nag-e-expect na magb-boom talaga siya. So at that time, wala talaga kaming planong i-expand siya nang ganito kalaki. Unlike kasi before, sa ngayon kasi, sobrang patok na ‘yung mga roadside coffee shops. At that time, hindi pa talaga. Kung meron man, hindi pa siya gano’n tinatanggap ng mga tao,” co-owner Julius Lacaba said.
With the expansion of the business, they also added a pastry shop in collaboration with local bakers near their place. They can now accommodate 100 individuals in their coffee shop.
“Ngayon, meron na kaming 100 sitting capacity and we added Muni Bakes eventually after a year. Exactly a year after Muni Coffee started. Nag-open kami ng pastry and cake corner. Last June, we opened this Muni Pergola. Habang nag o-operate kami, tsaka lang namin siya naiisip or dinadagdag,” she said.
With their business marking its second year, Julius and Isabella looked back on their humble beginnings: “Sobrang bilis talaga.”
“Parang hindi namin maramdaman na two years na pala ‘yon na kung tutuusin, napakatagal na no’n para sa isang small business. Everyday kasi kaming open so hindi mo talaga napapansin ‘yung oras. Araw-araw kang nakikipag coordinate sa mga staff, mga kailangan, almost every other day ka mamimili ng mga supplies. So hindi mo talaga mapapansin. And then, ‘yun nga, mag t-two years na kami this coming December. Parang napakabilis,” Julius added.
From selling products to family and friends in December 2020, Muni coffee shop can now sell around 5,000 to 7,000 products every month!
Julius and Isabella also attributed their success to the eased restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Naging bonding siya ng mga tao, ng family, ng friends. Dito lang sila magkikita-kita. Kasi from different places.”
“Ayokong sabihin na blessing in disguise ‘yung pandemic ‘cause ‘di maganda ‘yung nangyari. Siguro naging “turning point.” Naging turning point siya no’ng pagkabukas namin ng dine-in kasi imagine, ang tagal nating nakulong because of the restrictions. And then no’ng medyo nagluluwag na, gradually nagluluwag, parang nagkakaro’n ng ng lakas ng tao. Or nasabik ‘yung mga tao na, “Tara dine in naman tayo. Ang tagal na nating nasa loob ng bahay.” So naging turning point talaga siya,” Julius explained.
Through the expansion, they were also able to grow their team. Currently, there are 12 employees helping them in the coffee shop.
Julius and Isabella also plan to open their second branch outside Laguna.
With the success of their first business, the couple noted the importance of being hands-on with their business.
“Para alam mo ‘yung operations at alam mo ‘yung kailangan ng tao, alam mo ‘yung kailangan ng staff mo para maging maganda ‘yung pago-operate o maganda ‘yung operations,” Isabella echoed.
‘Wag silang matakot mag-invest.‘Wag silang tumigil mangarap. Lagi nating sinasabi, “Let’s dream big.” Pero ‘wag nating kalimutan ‘yung mga small steps na kailangan nating gawin.Walang masama sa paghahangad ng malaki agad pero wala din namang masama sa pagsisimula nang maliit palang,” Julius added.
