From Photographer To Barista

TUMPAT, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Even though he ran a stable photography business specialising in taking pictures of newborn babies, Tuan Azizi Tuan Mat’s thirst for new challenges saw him venturing into the cafe industry.

Two months ago, the 37-year-old father of four opened G Coffee in Bandar Baru Tumpat here, finally fulfilling his dream of owning a cafe. His bold decision was not solely driven by a passion for coffee but the  potential he saw in the growing café culture, a trend that resonates with people of all ages whether in urban or suburban areas.

In a recent interview with Bernama, Tuan Azizi said his dream of owning a café had existed for a long time but he lacked the confidence to open one as he had to focus on his family and photography work.

“I finally decided to open a café because, apart from wanting to challenge myself, I realised that continuing long-term as a photographer might be difficult since my business relies heavily on my photography skills. On the other hand, with a physical business like a café, I have something I can pass down to my children in the future,” he said, adding he would continue offering his services as a photographer until his cafe business has stabilised.

Tuan Azizi, meanwhile, said he learned the art of coffee-making informally, relying on YouTube tutorials and guidance from friends experienced in the field.

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"I started learning to make coffee nearly seven years ago, from manual methods like the Moka Pot and French Press to using commercial machines like Breville.

"I also went on coffee-hunting trips to taste various types of coffee crafted by other entrepreneurs to learn and gain insights," he said, adding that in 2021, when the Movement Control Order was in force, he sold bottled coffee from home.

Tuan Azizi, a mechanical engineering graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara, said he invested about RM60,000 in his cafe, the money mainly used for renovating the premises and purchasing the necessary equipment. Nearly 90 percent of the remodelling works, such painting and cementing, were done by him.

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 "There’s a difference between running a photography business and managing a café. Photography was on a smaller scale; I handled it alone and my clientele was small. But with a café, I have to consider factors like staff costs and customer management, which pose new challenges for me," he said, adding he operates his cafe with the help of six workers. 

Offering more than 30 types of coffee using Brazil Cerrado coffee beans, his café also features over 20 Western dishes, priced between RM4 and RM28.

"Some of the most popular coffee choices include Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Onde-Onde and Caramel Latte Ice, while my signature Western dishes include Crispy Fried Chicken Chop, Mashed Potato, Spicy Seafood Aglio Olio and Smash Burger," he said, adding he plans to expand the menu over time.

-- BERNAMA