Alright, Julia 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.
Aunty’s Cafe was born out of a deep need for connection, creativity and community—values shaped by the challenges and triumphs that have defined my journey. At just 14 years old, life forced me to grow up quickly and navigate the world largely on my own. Those years taught me resilience, determination and the importance of finding strength within myself, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.
As a high school dropout, I refused to let that define my future. I took a leap and enrolled in Job Corps, where I earned my GED, studied multiple trades, and most importantly, discovered the power of community. During my time there, I started a women’s empowerment program to uplift and inspire the incredible women around me. In under nine months, I graduated, ready to step into a new chapter of my life.
My first “real” job as a barista at Google NYC became a pivotal moment. It awakened my creativity, introduced me to people from all walks of life and showed me how coffee could bring people together in meaningful ways. But life wasn’t a straight path. Just as I was finding my footing, I faced one of my biggest setbacks—an arrest that forced me to take a hard look at myself and my journey.
Before that moment, a YouTuber had gifted me a copy of Humans of New York and reminded me daily, “You hold the pen.” At the time I didn’t fully grasp what those words meant. But as I began creating my own path, they pushed me to confront my childhood trauma and take ownership of my story. That process of reflection led me to create a documentary titled I Am Love, a project rooted in healing, self-discovery and affirmations. It was through this exploration of my past and my identity that I began to see how creativity and connection could play a role in building a better future.
The pandemic was a turning point. It was a time of immense loss and upheaval, with riots filling the streets, loved ones passing away and social media personalities dominating the narrative. Yet beneath it all was a deep yearning for connection, community and togetherness. Recognizing this need, I began talking to strangers across Brooklyn, listening to their stories and sharing words of encouragement. From these conversations, the affirmation wall was born—a heartfelt attempt to remind people that they weren’t alone and to create a sense of hope during an incredibly isolating time.
Even before becoming a mom and in the early stages of my self-discovery journey, I naturally became the “aunty” of all my friend groups. People gravitated toward me for mental health and self-care tips, book recommendations and more often a shoulder to cry on when the rest of the world felt against them. Being that source of comfort and guidance for others felt deeply meaningful and it laid the foundation for what Aunty’s Cafe would eventually become. As I worked to rediscover myself, I was lifted up by incredible women who weren’t related to me by blood but whom I proudly call my “auntys.” These women helped me believe in my worth and recognize the power I hold as a Black woman. Their love and support reminded me that I wasn’t alone and inspired me to create something that could offer that same sense of belonging and empowerment to others.
Fast forward nearly a decade and I’ve worked tirelessly to build the life I envisioned for myself. I’m now a mom, a mental health advocate and an entrepreneur. I’ve also achieved something I dreamed of for years: my U.S. citizenship! Born in Barbados, I left at a young age and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn. After 27 years, earning my citizenship was a moment of pride, resilience, and accomplishment—a testament to all the challenges I’ve faced and overcome. Balancing this milestone while starting a family and building Aunty’s Cafe showed me the strength I carry and the possibilities ahead.
Aunty’s Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a culmination of everything I’ve learned, endured and celebrated. It’s a safe space for creativity, connection and collaboration. It’s a place where great coffee sparks meaningful conversations and where everyone who walks through the door feels seen, valued and inspired.
I knew Aunty’s Cafe was a worthwhile endeavor because it wasn’t just about solving one problem—it was about addressing the heart of what we all need: community, self-expression and spaces that prioritize mental health and well-being. What excites me most is that Aunty’s Cafe is not just a business—it’s a testament to resilience, growth and the belief that no matter where you start, you have the power to create something extraordinary. You hold the pen!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Julia John, and I am the proud founder of Aunty’s Cafe—a space where creativity, community, and mental health take center stage. My journey has been shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and a deep desire to create spaces where people can feel seen and supported.
Born in Barbados and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, I grew up in an environment where navigating challenges required resourcefulness and grit. At 16, I dropped out of high school but refused to let that define my future. I enrolled in Job Corps, where I earned my GED, explored multiple trades, and even started a women’s empowerment group during my time there. That experience ignited my passion for building communities and inspired me to pursue opportunities that would foster connection and creativity.
I found my footing in the coffee industry when I became a barista at Google NYC. That role opened my eyes to the magic of coffee as a connector—it’s more than just a drink; it’s a catalyst for conversations and relationships. I later advanced into leadership roles, sharpening my skills and gaining a deeper understanding of how meaningful service can transform a space.
Currently, Aunty’s Cafe doesn’t have a permanent location, but we’re actively working on securing funding to bring our vision to life. In the meantime, we’ve been connecting with the community through pop-up events and staying engaged through our vibrant social media presence. These touchpoints have allowed us to foster relationships and share our mission while giving people a taste of what Aunty’s Cafe is all about.
Aunty’s Cafe is my love letter to the power of community, creativity, and self-expression. We’re not just about serving coffee or mocktails; we’re about creating moments of connection that leave a lasting impact. During the height of the pandemic—a time when social media was saturated with images of protests, loss, and division—I started an affirmation wall in Brooklyn. It was born out of my conversations with strangers who were seeking hope and connection. The wall became a source of comfort and healing, a reminder that even in difficult times, we are not alone.
Our cafe provides more than exceptional beverages. We curate experiences that blend art, self-care, and mental health advocacy. From sip-and-paint events to community workshops, we aim to be a space where people feel inspired and supported. What sets us apart is our commitment to uplifting others while fostering an environment of authenticity and inclusivity.
Before becoming a mom, I naturally became “the aunty” in my friend groups—the go-to person for advice, book recommendations, or simply a shoulder to cry on. That spirit of nurturing and guidance has carried over into Aunty’s Cafe. It’s a space where everyone is welcome, where people can find a sense of belonging and leave feeling affirmed and valued.
One of the accomplishments I hold closest to my heart is achieving my U.S. citizenship after 25 years. That milestone came at a time when I was embracing motherhood and building Aunty’s Cafe from the ground up. It symbolizes resilience and serves as a reminder of what’s possible when we persevere through challenges.
At Aunty’s Cafe, our mission is simple yet profound: to bring people together in a way that uplifts, inspires, and celebrates the power of community. Whether you’re stopping by for a pop-up event, engaging with us online, or joining us in the future at our permanent location, you’ll find a space where connection and creativity flourish.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing Aunty’s Cafe’s clientele has been rooted in authenticity, community engagement, and leveraging social media to build genuine connections. Our approach focuses on creating experiences that resonate with our audience and foster meaningful relationships.
Pop-up events have been a game-changer for us. They allow us to showcase our offerings—delicious coffee, creative mocktails, and our unique vibe—while connecting directly with our target audience. These events create memorable, in-person interactions that build trust and excitement around our brand.
Social media has also played a huge role in our growth. By sharing behind-the-scenes moments, affirmations, and community stories, we’ve been able to create a digital space that reflects the warmth and inclusivity of Aunty’s Cafe. Consistent engagement—whether it’s responding to comments, hosting live Q&A sessions, or sharing content that aligns with our core values of mental health, self-care, and community—has helped us expand our reach while staying true to our mission.
Lastly, word-of-mouth referrals from those who’ve attended our events or interacted with us online have been invaluable. People who resonate with our values and vision naturally become ambassadors, sharing their experiences with others. By focusing on creating moments that matter, we’ve been able to grow organically and sustainably.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Aunty’s Cafe started as a passion project, born from my love for coffee, community, and creative connection. While working full-time as a barista and later in leadership roles, I always dreamed of creating a space where people could come together for more than just a cup of coffee—a place where they could find inspiration, support, and a sense of belonging.
The journey began during the pandemic when I felt the urgency of creating community amidst so much loss and disconnection. Conversations with strangers in Brooklyn led to the creation of an affirmation wall—a simple yet powerful initiative where people could write down affirmations or words of encouragement for others. It was a reminder of the strength we have when we come together, and it planted the seed for what would eventually become Aunty’s Cafe.
At first, Aunty’s Cafe was just an idea, something I worked on between shifts at my full-time job. I organized pop-ups, partnered with local organizations, and used social media to share my vision. Over time, the demand and excitement for these events grew, and I began to see the potential to turn my passion into a full-time business.
One key milestone in the growth of Aunty’s Cafe was starting a GoFundMe campaign, which allowed us to raise funds to purchase equipment for our pop-up events. This was a major turning point, as it enabled us to execute our vision more effectively and confidently. With the equipment secured, I was able to host even more impactful pop-ups and engage with the community on a deeper level.
Scaling up hasn’t been without its challenges, but the support from the community and the success of our pop-ups have shown me that this dream is not only possible but needed. Each event, collaboration, and conversation has brought us closer to making Aunty’s Cafe a reality, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: personal: @badasssju. business: @auntyscafebk
- Linkedin: Julia John
- Youtube: Julia John
Image Credits
Name 1: Sebastian Jimenez Name 2: Qdaphotographer