Meet Tiffany, co-owner of Cardoon Coffee in Seattle, who shares the deeply personal story behind her unique coffee shop that blends German and Chinese influences while creating genuine community connections. Born during the pandemic when three partners asked "why not now?", Cardoon represents something powerful: what happens when you bring your authentic self to the coffee business.

In this heartfelt conversation, Tiffany opens up about their mission to "meet you where you are"—their WiFi password and core philosophy—and how they've created a space that serves espresso martinis alongside traditional coffee, ensuring there's truly something for everyone. She discusses the emotional weight of building genuine human connections through food and drink, and why their menu items are designed as conversation starters.

Tiffany also shares practical insights on understanding your customer personas, the loneliness of small business ownership, and how having three diverse partners helps navigate the constant challenges. Her passion for creating organic opportunities for human connection in an increasingly digital world shines through every aspect of Cardoon's approach to hospitality.

Topics covered:

• How personal heritage and authentic storytelling shape menu development
• The "meet you where you are" philosophy of inclusive hospitality
• Creating conversation starters through unexpected flavor combinations
• Understanding customer personas through observation and organic conversations
• The emotional reality of small business ownership and partnership dynamics
• Extending coffee shop programs into evening experiences with full bar service

Chapters:00:33 - The Pandemic Inspiration Behind Cardoon Coffee03:18 - What Makes You Unique: Personal Heritage as Business Strategy05:37 - The "Meet You Where You Are" Customer Experience Philosophy08:14 - Learning Customer Needs Through One Year of Operation12:03 - The Emotional Connection Behind Menu and Community Building15:38 - Practical Mentorship: Understanding Customer Personas and Habits24:17 - All-Day Café and Bar: Extending Coffee Culture Into Evening

Tiffany is co-owner of Cardoon Coffee in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, where German and Chinese influences create unexpected connections over coffee and community.