Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jin Ma, Founder of Malu Coffee, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Malu offers a simple way for busy people to enjoy great coffee. Our single-serve pour-over format enables anyone to make a great cup of coffee anywhere, anytime. Our research has shown that more and more people are seeking high-quality coffee, but the out-of-home coffee market still can't keep up with demand. That's why we've made these pouches available to anyone who needs a good cup of coffee, whether at the office, in a hotel, or on a camping trip.
In addition, we've found that modern females tend to prefer convenient coffee solutions because they juggle so many roles, and the current solutions on the market often have poor-quality coffee. We aim to provide a solution that brings the best of both worlds, creating a perfect balance of quality and convenience.
Tell us about yourself
During the pandemic, I had to quarantine in my NYC apartment and had to create a new normal, which included making coffee at home multiple times a day. I fell in love with the pour-over brewing method, which is simple, does not require bulky equipment, and yields rich flavors. However, I quickly found myself in a deep rabbit hole of filters, drippers, grinders, different beans, and ways of storing them. I began to wonder—is there a way to simplify the process and keep only the parts we enjoy the most? Thus, Malu was born.
I firmly believe that true luxury comes from elevating everyday items and routines. This can mean drinking better water, enjoying a high-quality cup of coffee, or simply taking a warm shower. My motivation is to help elevate people's everyday happiness by providing a super high-quality and simple coffee ritual through Malu.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Recently we showcased our products at Expo West! Considering the fact that we just launched four months ago and Expo West is truly the super bowl of trade shows.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
We recently showcased our product at Expo West! Given that we only launched four months ago, exhibiting at Expo West was like being at the Super Bowl of trade shows.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a community! Being an entrepreneur can be very isolating, so having a support system is crucial for your mental health.
- Trial and error! Making mistakes is important for growth.
- Think, but don't overthink. Just go for it! It will never be perfect.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://malucoffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malucoffeetime/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malu.coffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malucoffee/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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