I was an interior designer for many years, but always spending all day working in front of a screen. So nine years ago I decided I needed a change and bought a coffee van. Best decision I ever made.
When I started I’d do a school one day, another one the next, and then a business. I was hopping all over the place. And I tended to say “yes” to everything.
I would travel a long way just to make 10 coffees. I soon figured out that was not the way to do things. So when the guy who used to have this spot retired, the City of Melville asked me if I wanted to take it over.
While I was looking for something more permanent I still enjoyed working in different locations. I bit the bullet and two years later I’m still enjoying it. You’re meeting people every day and getting to know them.
I’m not just serving coffee; I’ve become part of a community. Many of my customers have become my friends. I even get people opening up to me, like a bartender.
I get into all kinds of conversations in which I recommend this doctor or that garden centre. It’s the perfect job for someone who is sociable. I’ve always been a coffee drinker, but had no idea how to use an espresso machine.
So I went to classes run by one of the coffee suppliers. You don’t realise how complex it is until you are taught by the experts. The best thing about owning and operating a coffee van is that you are your own boss.
If I’m not feeling in the mood to make coffee or there is somewhere else I have to be,.