By: Angelika Twinkle Mae A. Auro
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| Photo: Coffee Cravings Facebook Page |
Some prefer their coffee hot or cold, pure black or mixed with cream and milk. Either way, it is more than just a thirst quencher, because to some, the universe is in the cup of their coffee. In Aklan, there are many avid aficionados of this marvelous drink, prompting the establishment of coffee shops. Coffee Cravings, a slow bar coffee shop, aids Aklanons to satisfy their cravings not just for coffee, but for tranquility and a breather.
Located at Sampaguita Street, Banga, Aklan, Coffee Cravings lures customers from different parts of Aklan because of its high-class delicious coffee flavors. A one-of-a-kind ingredient, none-other than Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, paved the way for their magnificent menu. With flavors Macchiato, Raspberry, Ice latte, and Peppermint as their best-sellers, their loyal customers can't get enough and keep coming back!
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| Photo: Coffee Cravings Facebook Page |
Good Food and a Safe Space
This coffee shop does not only offer coffees but also serves a variety of meals, like pastries that are sure to meet the customers' satisfaction. The great thing about them is that their products are more affordable in comparison to those sold by other coffee shops.
Moreover, it is not just a typical coffee shop for they offer excellent services. Customers are interested not just with the coffee a shop serves, but also with the ambiance in which they are enjoying it. Coffee Cravings has it all by their alfresco-style vibe with a de-stressing aura and cheerful night lights at the onset of darkness.
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| Photo: Coffee Cravings Facebook Page |
According to the Coffee Cravings sibling owners, Mr. Kristian Traje and Miss Mary O Traje, their main inspiration to keep going is their customers. They have witnessed that people with furious schedules and tiresome days head towards Coffee Cravings because they find themselves secured whenever they are there. Some find the shop their safe place when life hits hard.
The Creation of Coffee Cravings
They, like other dreamers of starting a business, have faced numerous obstacles. Mr. Kristian once lost hope because he believed that launching a coffee shop would be pointless due to the pandemic.
Being the youngest child in the family, Mr. Kristian hunts to seek his purpose and passion in life. He became a Barista at Seattle's Best in Aklan. There, his skill in coffee brewing was nourished resulting in him dreaming of having his own coffee shop.
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| Photo: Coffee Cravings Facebook Page |
They started by selling coffee beans. Due to friends' support, promotion and posting on the internet, it continued. Opening the Coffee Cravings coffee shop on March 14, 2021, Mr. Kristian brews the coffees manually, while he and his sister market their products.
There was also an instance when a strong rainstorm occurred, and a flood entered the coffee shop just as it opened. He lost motivation, but his sister Ms. Mary O remained encouraging to his brother. Along with that, during their venture as business owners, it is here they learned
What Coffee Cravings is truly all about
From a Barista to a coffee shop owner, at age 27, he had his own coffee shop. He is an epitome of how age is not a factor for being successful. Young or old, it is not too early or too late to pursue a passion in life. One year after it all started, the siblings' bond became stronger due to Coffee Cravings as their powerhouse of love and support.
"Change the world,” read the tagline of the brand that signifies Mr. Kristian's desire for change. "Let's start the change within ourselves", Ms. Mary O said in a one-on-one interview with ExplainED PH Aklan as the concept of their business. Also, the blooming flowers as their logo was inspired by the growth he has achieved as a result of his coffee business.
"This coffee shop will not just serve coffee, but [will also] provide jobs to people", said Ms. Mary O about their future goal.
Profit, friendship, time, freedom, and a sense of security are the benefits they earned in their business. Above all, Coffee Cravings strengthened the two’s family bonds.
"Just go for it, and choose the right people that will really support you", the Traje siblings added as advice to those who want to reach for their ambitions in life.
Coffee Cravings is not just a coffee shop. It became a station for culture, new friendships, and bonds. It is not just a portal for comfort foods and coffees, but it also functions as purpose-finding, life-changing, and a place to recline.
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Finding a good place to enjoy your delicious cup of coffee? Coffee Cravings has you covered. Visit their Facebook page here , or see them at Food Park, Kalibo, and their main branch at Sampaguita Street, Banga Aklan.