honeybeen cafe

It's been said that many of the best ideas have been born in coffee shops. Honeybeen cafe was born on the back of a napkin in 2013. I was 23 years old and had just spent one of the best summers of my life managing an Airstream café in Australia. We drove to festivals, car shows, weddings and surf spots, and we were busier than any place I'd ever worked in (or have worked in since). It combined the community-building vibe I was passionate about with the adventure and no-days-the-same-ness that I craved. Not to mention how practical it was, with low overhead costs. Having just returned home to BC, I was staring out a café window, listening to my favourite playlist ("Songs For Film") and my mild obsession with tiny homes crept in. I got a wild idea: what about a tiny home café? Indoor seating and a fold-down deck would not only make it unique, but it would allow for the space to be much more than just your average food truck.

Over the next few years, I worked in a variety of cafes in BC and Alberta, first as a barista, then manager, then helping to open a few new shops. I also got to test the waters of retail, tourism, hotel, admin, real estate and outdoor guiding. I gravitated to roles where I could talk face-to-face with customers, solve problems and help coach people to try new things or see from a new perspective. I excelled in jobs where every day was different, my scenery and challenges varied, and where there was an element of risk and adventure. My mobile café idea was always in the back of my mind, but it seemed perpetually in the future - a "someday" thing. When I was ready to "settle down," you know?

Fast forward to 2020: the year that pulled the rug out from under us. I was gearing up for another busy season of cycling and hiking tours, when the world shut down. Like many others, I was left in a state of limbo. Guiding, tourism and traveling were out of the question, and for who knew how long. After allowing myself a small* (*could have been smaller) time to wallow, I decided to take it as a sign: that it was time to do what I've always said I wanted to do. So I packed up my life, moved to the coast (goodbye winter), and decided to open up a tiny home café.

My passion for people and honest customer service will be front and centre shine bright at honeybeen cafe. As will our values of community, curiosity, conversation and nature. Our mission? To bring community to unexpected places. 

Part of my project is funded by warevise. But there is still not enough money, so I need your help to reach my goal!