We were lucky to catch up with Claire Sumadiwirya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Claire thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.

Right after I had my first child, I was sent to Shanghai for a job assignment. Due to the heavy pollution in the city and his particular sensitivities due to a premature birth, he became very ill requiring us to stay in the hospital for weeks. In Shanghai, cafes are not located inside hospitals. Without family and friends nearby to help, I was exhausted and lonely with no immediate access to a simple cup of coffee or meal. If I wanted to nourish myself, I had to leave my baby alone in the hospital to go get food elsewhere. Then, one day the hospital staff surprised me with a cup of coffee and homemade soup. Their unconditional support and kindness inspired me to open Shanghai’s first and second in-hospital cafes, so that other families could be supported with food and drink while managing the challenging illness of a loved one. When I returned to Bellevue, I wanted to continue my mission to blend coffee, community, and charity by opening my third cafe. I named it Bellden because I wanted it to be the den of Bellevue and designed the logo to reflect my son’s silhouette, to always remind me of why I started.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started Bellden Ventures with a cafe designed to provide a safe and happy place for everyone in the community. When I moved to the US as a 12-year-old girl who didn’t know anyone, it was really tough and lonely. Finding that sense of belonging was really hard to achieve, so kind gestures from people made a big difference in how I felt as a person. Fast forward to about ten years ago, I received a true act of kindness when my son was hospitalized overseas. A warm bowl of homemade soup and a hot cup of coffee from a stranger warmed my heart and body, knowing that I was not alone on this journey of parenthood. I want my business to be just like that—a cafe, products, and events that make you feel loved and included.

At our cafe, we create and serve food that is good for you physically with fresh ingredients, made by our diverse and marginalized workforce, including refugees, immigrants, BIPOC youth, and survivors. Our products are made to give back to community partners supporting the most vulnerable groups, with 20% of proceeds donated to different causes. Our social club puts on events that offer cross-cultural and inter-generational experiences to showcase the uniqueness of our community. The core of my business is people—authentic relationships are what make my life and business thrive because we can grow together and make positive impacts together.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

At Bellden, we build our brand by delivering on our promises and fostering genuine connections. In a world where everyone is always busy with different things, my best friends have shown me they care by consistently showing up for me. This principle of showing up, no matter how hectic life gets, is the cornerstone of Bellden’s brand philosophy. Transparency is everything for us—we make it clear to our community where their money goes in supporting charity partners. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates our commitment to making a tangible difference.

When our community needs us, we don’t just talk about support; we take action. Every team member at Bellden is given 32 paid hours annually to volunteer at any organization they choose. This policy not only reinforces our promise to the community but also empowers our employees to contribute to causes they are passionate about. It’s a testament to our belief that giving back should be an integral part of our work culture and brand identity.

When people think of Bellden, they envision more than just a place for a good cup of coffee. They think of a sanctuary where they can enjoy a nutritious breakfast that energizes them for the day ahead. Our menu is crafted to provide wholesome, delicious options that leave our customers feeling positive and invigorated. But our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there.

One of the key factors that have helped build our reputation in the market is our dedication to seasonal menu updates. We understand that variety is the spice of life, and our customers appreciate the fresh, innovative options that change with the seasons. We empower our culinary team, composed entirely of courageous refugees from around the world, to bring their unique perspectives and flavors to our menu. This not only allows us to offer exciting new dishes but also celebrates the rich cultural diversity within our team.

Our seasonal updates are eagerly anticipated by our customers, who are always excited to see what new creations await them at Bellden. This approach keeps our offerings fresh and dynamic, ensuring that each visit to Bellden is a unique experience. By constantly evolving our menu and embracing the creativity of our team, we stay relevant and engaging in a competitive market.

Ultimately, Bellden is more than a cafe—it’s a community hub built on trust, transparency, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Our brand stands for integrity, inclusivity, and continuous innovation. When people think of Bellden, they think of a place where they are not just customers, but valued members of a vibrant, supportive community. This is how we have built and continue to build our brand’s reputation in the market, and why our customers keep coming back for more.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Listen, Listen, and Listen. As business owners, we have a lot on the line to make our business successful. For small business owners, the commitment is even greater, as we often invest our own savings into the business during tough times. However, our team should be our biggest asset because good team members make a business shine and grow. When employees love their workplace, they will be enthusiastic about new products, operational updates, and community building. Their interactions with customers are the most valuable branding for any brand.

Listening to the Team:
The first step to maintaining high morale is to listen actively to what the team has to say. This involves understanding their concerns, ideas, and feedback on how the business can improve. Regularly seek input on various aspects such as operations, customer service, and overall work environment. Encouraging an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts is crucial.

Acting on Feedback:
Listening is only the beginning. It’s essential to follow up on the feedback received and take concrete actions to address concerns and implement suggestions. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to continuous improvement. Regularly update the team on the progress of their suggestions and any changes being made.

One-on-One Meetings:
Regular one-on-one meetings with team members are vital. These sessions should be approached with curiosity, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to understand their experiences and aspirations. Use these meetings to discuss their career development, recognize their achievements, and identify any challenges they may be facing.

Team Engagement:
Engage the team in decision-making processes where possible. Involve them in brainstorming sessions for new products, marketing strategies, or community initiatives. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the business.

Recognition and Rewards:
Recognize and reward the hard work and contributions of your team. This can be through formal recognition programs, spontaneous appreciation, or incentives. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, boosts morale and motivates the team to continue striving for excellence.

Training and Development:
Invest in the professional development of your team. Provide opportunities for training, workshops, and skill-building activities. This not only enhances their capabilities but also shows that you are invested in their growth and future.

Work-Life Balance:
Promote a healthy work-life balance by being mindful of workloads and encouraging breaks and time off. A well-rested and balanced team is more productive, creative, and satisfied with their job.

Create a Positive Work Environment:
Cultivate a positive and inclusive work culture where respect, collaboration, and kindness are the norms. Organize team-building activities, social events, and community service projects to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging.

Continuous Improvement:
View every minute spent at the business as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Regularly assess and refine business processes, keeping the team involved and informed.

In summary, maintaining high morale and strong team relationships requires active listening, prompt action, regular engagement, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of your team. By fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration, you can create a workplace where employees are motivated, engaged, and proud to be part of Bellden.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clairesumadiwirya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairesmdwry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belldencafe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belldencafe/
• Twitter: https://x.com/BelldenCafe
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bellden-cafe-bellevue

Image Credits

We took these in house!