We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Menal Kidane. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Menal below.

Menal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Jebena Joy Cafe came from a deep connection to my culture and a desire to share the beauty of the Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Growing up, coffee wasn’t just something you drank—it was a ritual, a moment where family and friends came together to talk, laugh, and strengthen bonds. It’s a time to slow down and be present with one another.

When I moved here, I saw how different the coffee culture was. People often grab a cup and go, or they sit in silence, focused on their work. I noticed that even when people stood in line together, they rarely talked or connected. It made me think about how much we’re missing that sense of community, the joy of simply being together over something as simple as coffee.

That’s when I realized I could bring the tradition of the coffee ceremony to create those moments of connection. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about sharing an experience, telling a story, and giving people a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. What got me most excited was knowing I could introduce something unique and meaningful, while also honoring my heritage. I believed this would work because people are always seeking authentic, memorable experiences, and I knew this could be a way to fill that gap while bringing joy and connection to their lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Menal Kidane, and I am the founder of Jebena Joy Cafe, a mobile coffee service based in Culver City, Los Angeles. I arrived in the United States six years ago as a refugee, facing the challenges of being away from my family in a new country. I worked tirelessly, juggling multiple part-time jobs, and focusing on improving my English while adapting to a completely different life. Over time, I realized that I could bring something special to this community—my culture and the rich tradition of the Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

The coffee ceremony is more than just a way to make coffee; it’s an opportunity to gather, share stories, and connect. Back home, coffee brings people together, and I wanted to offer that experience here. At Jebena Joy Cafe, I provide traditional, handcrafted coffee made with a jebena (a clay coffee pot) that’s steeped in cultural significance. My services are designed to create moments of connection, offering not just coffee, but an experience—one that invites people to slow down, engage, and build relationships.

What sets Jebena Joy Cafe apart is our focus on authenticity and culture. I’m not simply serving coffee; I’m sharing a piece of my heritage with each cup. I aim to provide a unique cultural experience that’s missing from typical coffee services in the area, where people often rush through their coffee without connecting. Whether at an event or in someone’s home, I bring people together to enjoy quality coffee and meaningful conversation.

I’m most proud of how this business allows me to share my story and culture, while also creating an opportunity for others to experience something new. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my passion for coffee and community can make a difference in people’s lives. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that Jebena Joy Cafe is more than just a coffee service—it’s about fostering connections, celebrating culture, and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I decided to start Jebena Joy Cafe, I didn’t have access to external funding or anyone to borrow money from. Instead, I relied on my own hard work and discipline. I worked seven days a week, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and saving every penny I could. The road wasn’t easy, but I knew that in order to build something meaningful, I had to put in the effort and make sacrifices.

Starting a business was challenging, especially in the beginning when I didn’t have much experience with things like creating a website or managing the logistics. I didn’t have a blueprint to follow, so I sought advice from friends and researched business ideas to help me figure things out. But through all of this, one thing kept me going: my strong belief in myself and my vision.

My goal was to create a brand and a business that I could call my own, something that would allow me to build a better future. I wanted to create opportunities for myself and my family, and to have the flexibility and freedom to enjoy the rewards of my hard work. I wanted to face the challenge of building something from the ground up—something that would give me control over my life, my time, and my future.

Starting Jebena Joy Cafe has been a journey of learning, determination, and believing in the power of hard work. It hasn’t been easy, but every step has been a valuable lesson. I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their own dreams, embrace the challenges, and create their own path toward success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Starting my business has been a huge learning experience, especially coming from a family with no business background. I knew I could offer something special, like the traditional coffee ceremony, but I quickly realized there’s much more to running a business than just having a good product. I had to figure out things like how to find customers, market my business, and build connections with people like event planners.

I didn’t have much knowledge when I started, and I didn’t have much help from family since they didn’t have experience with business. So, I’ve had to learn on my own—asking around, reading, and constantly improving. I’m still learning and growing as a business owner, and I know it’s a journey that takes time. It hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has made me stronger and more prepared for the next step.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jebenajoycafe.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jebenajoycafe?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572216052053&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

photograph: @timsayrephoto