My Story

I am a person who thrives on seeing others succeed. My original path was to become an academic. I was on the road to becoming an environmental health scientist, but I sadly learned that I was not cut out to be a researcher. The lab was a lonely place, but I loved being a TA to the undergraduate students, helping them solve problems, and seeing the joy on their faces as they gained new knowledge.

I graduated with my Master’s, and I am proud of that achievement. During my studies, I learned how to balance life and truly appreciated the systems and procedures required in a Science degree. My true love during both undergraduate and graduate life was my part-time job at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I looked forward to the break from daily school life to make coffee and learn how to run a coffee shop. It also gave me the skills to balance school, work, and family.

My hardest academic year was also the year I had the most commitments, but I was able to balance everything and didn’t feel too stressed. I used my shift at Coffee Bean as my social outlet. I would rather make coffee for my friends (of course, they paid) and meet new people as a break! I also fell in love with the process of making coffee and dreamed of having my own shop. Creating Bloom Espresso gave me that opportunity. I am able to make coffee at events and still manage my own schedule. One day, a store may come, but until then, I thrive by seeing others’ dreams come to life.

I have met with many small businesses to offer advice. The latest project I helped build is Barakah Cafe. It started as a dream and is now a cafe at the Islamic Society of Orange County. This non-profit social enterprise is helping other local institutions realize that hospitality is part of our culture within the Eastern world. I am here as a guide to your dreams.