In the heart of the Philippines, Joyce Tembrevilla has built more than just a coffee shop—she has created a space rooted in faith, purpose, and community. As the owner of Hebrew Coffee, her journey began with an unexpected shift that turned into a meaningful mission. What started as a simple business idea evolved into a way to support her church and contribute to ministry work. Today, Hebrew Coffee stands as a testament to how passion, resilience, and the right tools can turn a vision into a thriving reality.

Let’s start at the beginning—what inspired you to open your coffee shop, and what was your vision when you first started?
Looking back, it’s funny because I was actually aiming to open a milk tea shop. But then I worked at a café, and that’s when it all started. I began this business because I really wanted to help the youth in our church and support the ministry. However, they weren’t interested in the job. Still, I’m thankful to God because I’m able to help the ministry—specifically through medical missions. My vision was to build a business that is not just centered on profit, but one that can also be used for God’s work.

Every coffee shop has its own unique vibe or identity. How would you describe yours, and what makes it stand out in your community?
Our café is very friendly, and that’s what makes us stand out. We’ve been able to build strong relationships with our customers.

Starting a business is never easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was handling the paperwork. There were many permits and medical certificates required. The good thing is that the local government supports people who want to open businesses here, so it wasn’t too difficult. You can go to city hall, and everything is already organized—from registering the business name and beyond.

How did you first hear about Loyverse, and what made you decide to use it for your business?
I first heard about Loyverse through my cousin. At that time, we were doing everything manually, but she suggested using the app.

In what specific ways has Loyverse helped streamline your operations—whether it’s inventory, sales tracking, or customer service?
I would say it has helped us most with sales tracking. We’re able to see our gross profit and net sales. At the same time, it helps with inventory. One of the features I really like is the low stock notification—it sends you an email when it’s time to restock.

Are there any features in Loyverse you find yourself relying on daily that have become essential to running your shop smoothly?
Mostly sales tracking and inventory. As I mentioned, it reminds you when you need to restock items, which is very helpful.

Customer experience is everything in the coffee business. How do you use technology,like Loyverse,to enhance that experience?
It makes checkout much easier for us. Before, we were doing everything manually, but now it’s faster since Loyverse calculates everything automatically: even inventory.

Looking back on your journey so far, what philosophies or values have guided you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship?
We believe that the quality of service and the product itself are very important. Some businesses focus on offering very low prices, but we’ve learned to stay true to our core values. Our customers often say that they don’t mind paying a little more because the quality of our products is good. In short, they are willing to pay as long as the quality is excellent.

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of opening their own coffee shop or small business today?
Research is very important. Even now, we are still continuously researching—whether it’s about products or understanding customer culture.

Finally, what’s next for you and your coffee shop? Are there any exciting plans or goals you’re working toward right now?
We are currently designing a reward system for our beloved customers and future customers—so stay tuned for that!