When Joyce and her mom, Taryn, decided to open MAD COFFEE in 2022, they weren’t just starting a business—they were brewing a dream. Its brand name, MAD isn’t about chaos; instead, it stands for “Mother and Daughter,” a tribute to their close bond and shared love for coffee.
It all began with Joyce’s time helping at a relative’s café in her hometown. There, she realised something special: Cafés weren’t just places that people went for coffee, they were community hubs. In Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia, there weren’t many cozy specialty coffee spots, so Joyce and her mom decided to start one themselves.
With that, MAD COFFEE came to life — creating a cozy café where every customer is welcomed like family.
Trial And Error Solving Everyday Challenges
Starting a café from scratch is no small feat, especially for a first-time young business owner like Joyce. Marketing was a steep learning curve, with lots of trial and error involved. Leading a team with a mix of personalities and working styles is a huge challenge for Joyce as well.
“At first, I thought I had to do everything myself,” Joyce admits. “But I learned that trusting my team and letting them take ownership was the key to making things work.”
Her willingness to keep learning and her unwavering determination have accelerated her growth, allowing her to adapt quickly to new challenges. This mindset has become a cornerstone of MAD COFFEE’s success, fuelling its progress as a mainstay in the community.
One of Joyce’s most surreal experience was when two Hong Kong actors she had grown up watching on the screen walked into MAD COFFEE. Seeing them enjoying her brew served as a powerful reminder of how far her simple idea to start a community café had come and how grateful she was to be in that position.
She recalls. “I couldn’t believe see(ing) them enjoy our coffee!”
That moment wasn’t just a personal highlight. It spurred her and the entire MAD COFFEE team to continue elevating their café, while keeping it grounded in its core vision of a community space loved by all.
Continually Refreshing Their Menu
One way MAD COFFEE keeps customers coming back is by introducing new and creative menu items. Their seasonal specials are a hit, like the Banana Bread Matcha — a soulful blend of matcha, banana puree, and cinnamon. Then there’s the Langkawi, a tropical mix of matcha, coconut milk, and butterfly pea syrup, perfect for adventurous palates.
But it’s not just about drinks. MAD COFFEE now collaborates with big names like Mini Cooper, launching exclusive beverages for events. These partnerships create unique experiences that keep things exciting for customers.
“We want every visit to feel special,” Joyce says.
Balancing Business And Life
If anyone doesn’t already know, running a café is more than just a full-time commitment. Joyce has learned to roll with the punches. “I don’t believe in perfect balance,” she explains.
“Some days, work takes over, and other days, I focus on myself. It’s about staying flexible and making time to recharge when I can.”
Her approach is refreshingly realistic, emphasising the importance of self-care without sugarcoating the challenges.
Behind the scenes, Taryn plays a critical role in keeping MAD COFFEE financially sound. “My mom is meticulous with finances,” Joyce says. Weekly tracking and careful budgeting ensure the café runs smoothly and cashflow isn’t an issue.
While they haven’t yet used major financing tools, they are reinvesting profits wisely to improve the business. Joyce emphasises that their frugal approach has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of small business ownership.
Building A Coffee Place For The Community And Through The Community
At its core, MAD COFFEE is all about community. Joyce and Taryn have grown their café through word-of-mouth and social media, but they’ve also forged connections through collaborations with local brands.
From hosting guest events to supporting other businesses, their collective efforts have made MAD COFFEE a hub for creativity and connection – and a brand that other brands want to work with.
“Community is everything,” Joyce says. “It’s what keeps us going and keeps the customers coming back.”
Up next, Joyce envisions expanding to new locations and growing their catering services. Hot food options might also be added to their menu soon, but the goal is clear: to keep creating warm, welcoming spaces where people feel at home.
“We’re excited about the future, but we want to grow the right way,” she says.
She also candidly shares that just like she found the right co-founder and colleague, the right business partner is crucial to your success. Someone who genuinely shares your vision and values will ensure the business is built on strong foundation and set-up for collaborations in the long-term.
It’s also essential to gain hands-on experience in the industry before diving in, working in another café helps you understand operations and empathise with your staff. You also learn very quickly that it’s not for everyone.
Finally, be ready for the grind. Running a café goes far beyond the charm of café-hopping, it’s a demanding venture that requires passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to hard work.
More than just a café, MAD COFFEE is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. For Joyce and Taryn, the proof is in the empty cups they still clear today, and their motivation is to create an extraordinary coffee experience.
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