Hidden Gems: Meet Kayla Viliborghi of Lady Java Coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Viliborghi.

Hi Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have worked in restaurants my entire working career and at one point I was working at Starbucks in the mornings at the same time. It was my favorite job I have ever had.

I loved being up before the sun came up and getting ready to be part of starting people’s mornings on the right foot. I loved how happy people were that early even before they have had their cup of coffee. I told everyone that if I could choose my dream job it would be to be in the coffee industry, and I would love to be able to start my own business.

I worked as much as possible while getting everything together on the side to start my dream. In October 2021, my vision was finally a reality and I started Lady Java Coffee.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. I prepared as much as possible and talked to as many people as I could to get their stories, views, advice, wins, and losses. The biggest thing they told me was that even when you think you are prepared, you never will be.

The first year of any business is all about learning and I can say I have definitely done my fair share of that. Each bump along the way though has taught me so much. I love that I can now join in on my group conversations and give advice to people when I was the one looking for the advice before.

It is hard at the time when you’re going through it, but it is so rewarding knowing you overcame and are still moving forward every day.

As you know, we’re big fans of Lady Java Coffee. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business, Lady Java Coffee, is a mobile coffee truck.

I specialize in coffee of course. Espresso, lattes, chai, energy drinks, frappes, and so much more. I pride myself on making seasonal drinks that get my customers excited and find me on the map just to come and see me. I love hearing from people that they have been craving my coffee all week and couldn’t wait for me to come back to their area again.

I think the thing that sets me apart from others is my connection with my customers. I know their names, drink orders, and what is going on during their day. I make sure to connect with them and find out more than just what they want to drink that morning. I love when I go places and the people that work there remember me.

Life is busy and it is the best feeling to go get your morning coffee and not even have to give your order, instead of being able to tell something funny that happened over your weekend while your coffee is being made. That is what I would want going to a coffee shop and that is what I strive to give my customers.

I take pride in my drinks and know that my coffee is good. I take the time putting new things on the menu but also get feedback every time I do from my customers to make sure it is something they are excited to come and get from me. This business is not just about what I want. My customers are what keeps it alive and I do everything I can to make sure they are satisfied as well.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is to not give up. It sounds cliche but it is the truth.

There are going to be amazing days but there are also going to be just as many hard days. Owning your own business isn’t easy but it is absolutely worth it. There will be roadblocks that you couldn’t have even imagined yourself.

These are the things that teach you the most and keep you going. You learn so much and can use the things you learn through every stage of business.

Contact Info:

• Email: kayla@ladyjavacoffee.com
• Website: www.ladyjavacoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyjavacoffee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyjavacoffee/

Image Credits:
Mike Zlotkowski and Christal Ochs-Stratton