We recently connected with Dee Von Kauffmann and have shared our conversation below.
Dee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Moving to America I’m 35, single, living in Sydney Australia it’s 2021
It’s covid and Australia’s lock downs were very strict. Couldn’t leave 5km from my house.
Working as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative,
Just bought property, wanted a dog and that’s it!
I was super happy being single in my new place when one day out of the blue I reconnected with a friend who was in the US. Suddenly some instagram DMs turned into an 8hr FaceTime.
Within 2 days we were dating, not knowing when the borders were going to open.
We would FaceTime all day as I was working from home. Cut to 5 months later, the borders finally open and I’m able to come to the US.
It was a surreal moment coming out of the terminal to meet him.
During my time here we get engaged
From here we go back and forth between Australia & USA
We elope on 4/20 looking over the pacific palisades.
Continuing to go back and forth .. we had to make a decision on who’s going to move.
It turned out it was best for me to be the one to make the move.
He had founded a business here in LA and so it just made more sense for me to leave my world in Sydney.
Being now 36 .. and about to restart my life in a different country.
Needing to completely change careers as the business my husband founded was a Specialty Coffee Brunch Spot.
Through 2023 I learned the business, started as the Operational Manager and now am The Owner.
Still Married and running a Coffee Brunch spot in West LA with my bestie aka my husband
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into the Coffee Industry via my husband, He also left his career in his mid 30s to pursue a passion project of starting a coffee shop.
Being Nicaraguan, Spanish being his first language .. he has a connection to coffee producing countries.
Through his passion our shop is known as a community staple.
We bring education to our customers without them even knowing it.
Turning latte drinkers into Single Origin Black Coffee drinkers.
We’re unique in the way that we’re not looking to Franchise ..
We’ve built a product and a community that can’t be replicated.
Our menu is a mix of Latin, Aussie and American fusion.
Our Coffee and Food program is one of a kind as I can confidently say that it’s one place where both are equally delicious, this is proven by our loyal customers who are now family .. they can’t get enough.
We are a home away from home for a lot of creatives .. especially those who were affected by the writers strike and gaming industry layoffs.
We are a place where we encourage individuality and a space to create.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Not following what’s “on trend” Not following other peoples opinions
Staying true to the roots of where we came from and producing that into your work.
Being consistent in not only our product but our hospitality as well.
Creating the Goodpeople vibe that people get drawn to.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Being genuine If you’re having a bad day let the customer know
If you’re having a good day let the customer know
If you have a funny story let the customer know
We are always genuine with our clientele because we are all human .. we have ups and downs.
Our clientele find that they can relate to us because we are genuine and not programmed to be a certain way.
We are our slogan
“Goodpeople Bad Habits”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coffeeshopla.com
- Instagram: @thegoodpeoplebadhabits
- Yelp: Goodpeople
Image Credits
Nate Dumlao