In a landscape where new cafes open every day, it is rare to encounter a story as grounded and personal as this one. What began as a simple coffee stand outside a family home has grown into a movement shaped by slow living, local farmers, and genuine human connection. In this article, the owner of Nogi Slowbar shares how a small idea became a thriving community.

Why, How, and When I Started My Business

The journey began in April 2024. My husband and I run a production house focused on photo and video, but work slowed down significantly last year. With a young son to support, we needed another source of income. That is when we decided to sell coffee right outside our house.

Slow bars and pop up coffee stands were becoming popular in Southeast Asia. We did not have much capital, so we started with simple manual tools like a hand grinder and a moka pot. Every cup was prepared slowly and by hand.

The business became cash flow positive from the beginning. Whatever we earned was reinvested into better equipment. There was no complex plan at the start. It was simply a matter of growing steadily with what we had.

What Makes Our Business Unique

Coffee is a competitive industry, so we focused on farm to cup sourcing. We partnered directly with small backyard farmers in Benguet and Mountain Province. These are producers who rarely gain access to wider distribution. We visited the farms ourselves and built personal connections.

When we introduced their beans to our customers, people responded strongly. They felt good supporting local farmers and they enjoyed the organic quality of the coffee.

Beyond the product, we embrace the slow life movement. Customers do not just buy coffee. They become part of a community. Many who started as strangers are now our friends. People come to our garage cafe simply to relax and enjoy the pace.

More recently, we opened a physical shop in Makati, one of the most competitive areas for coffee. Even without paid advertising, the support and engagement online were impressive for a small business. The community truly lifted us up.

How I Discovered Loyverse

Before using Loyverse, I tried two other POS apps but found them limiting and difficult to use. I kept searching and eventually downloaded Loyverse. At that time, I was still doing everything manually with a notebook and calculator.

Coming from the production industry, I had no background in food service or inventory. Loyverse looked intimidating at first, but I soon realized how beginner friendly it actually is.

Suddenly I could see my daily sales instantly. I could manage shifts, calculate expected cash, review payouts and pay ins, and print organized receipts. It saved me hours of work and gave me more time with my son.

One memorable moment was during a large university fair. We were beside informal street vendors. When customers saw our POS setup, many commented on how organized and professional it looked. They appreciated the structure and itemized receipts. It showed me that even small street setups can benefit from that level of order.

My Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

My advice is simple and realistic. Be prepared for slow days. There will be moments when you do not make any sales. Your first customers will not be your friends. You need to put in the work, market yourself, and believe in your product.

Be patient. Hard work and consistency bring results.

Most importantly, stay organized. Data is essential. I regret not using a POS from day one because I lost six months of valuable information that could have helped me grow earlier. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it helps you manage your numbers, monitor your performance, and keep track of your progress.

Data is king. Organization keeps your business alive. And beginning small can lead to a beautiful and meaningful community.

Follow their IG! : https://www.instagram.com/nogi_slowbar/