We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Coby’s Cafe was born from two pivotal moments in my life. Back in 2007-2009, while I was living and working in Korea, I visited a dog cafe for the first time, even though I didn’t have a dog of my own at the time. I’ve always been a dog lover, and stepping into that space was a transformative experience. I was struck by how the cafe seamlessly blended a welcoming social atmosphere with the joy of being surrounded by dogs. It left a lasting impression on me.

Fast forward to 2020, when I finally got my own dog, Coby. He’s more than just a pet; he’s family. Like many pet parents, I wanted to include him in my life as much as possible, but I quickly realized how limiting it was to take him out in public. Most indoor spaces weren’t dog-friendly, and even in places that allowed dogs, they often didn’t feel thoughtfully designed for them. That’s when the inspiration from Korea came back to me.

I knew this was an idea worth pursuing because it wasn’t just about creating a space for dogs and their families, it was about solving a problem I personally experienced. People like me, who see their dogs as family, are looking for places that embrace and include them. The more I researched, the more I saw the potential. There’s a growing movement toward more dog-friendly spaces, but few focus on making both dogs and their humans feel equally welcome and cared for.

What excited me the most was the chance to create something unique: a dog cafe that’s not just a novelty but a meaningful space where people and their dogs can connect, unwind, and feel at home. It wasn’t just about filling a gap in the market; it was about creating a community and promoting a shift in how society sees dogs, not just as pets but as beloved family members.

Mary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Mary, the founder of Coby’s Cafe. My journey into entrepreneurship began with a lifelong love of dogs and a deep desire to advocate for our animal companions. I believe dogs are extraordinary beings who deserve to be treated with the respect and inclusion befitting their role as family members. My dream is to help create a more dog-friendly world, one where they’re welcomed and celebrated in our lives and communities.

For years, I worked in corporate environments, but becoming a pet parent to my dog, Coby, was a turning point. He inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge my belief that I was capable of more. The bond we share and the joy he brings to my life motivated me to create a space that embraces the amazing connection between dogs and their humans.

Coby’s Cafe is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a thoughtfully designed environment where humans and their dogs can coexist in harmony. We provide a unique experience for dogs to safely play and socialize while their humans enjoy high-quality coffee, tea, and light eats. From hosting private dog parties to fostering a community of like-minded pet parents, everything we do is guided by our belief that dogs are family and deserve to be treated as such.

What sets Coby’s Cafe apart is our commitment to creating an inclusive, well-curated space that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of both our human and canine guests. We’re not just solving the problem of limited dog-friendly spaces, we’re reimagining what it means to spend quality time with your dog in a public setting.

I’m incredibly proud of how Coby’s Cafe has evolved from an idea into a space that people and their dogs genuinely love. Every detail, from the menu to the design of the dog lounge, reflects our dedication to creating a welcoming and memorable experience. Most importantly, I’m proud of the community we’re building, a place where people can connect over their shared love for their dogs and form lasting bonds.

For those new to Coby’s Cafe, I want you to know that we’re not just a business; we’re a space for connection, joy, and inclusivity. Whether you’re here to enjoy a great cup of coffee, meet other pet parents, or let your dog have some fun, you’ll find that Coby’s Cafe is a place where everyone feels at home.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There have been several resources and experiences that have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. Working with SCORE mentors and SBDC business advisors has been invaluable; their guidance has helped me navigate the complexities of starting a business and provided insights I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. I also made it a priority to consult with existing cafe and business owners to learn from their firsthand experiences, their stories of both successes and challenges have been incredibly eye-opening and helpful as I’ve built Coby’s Cafe.

Reading The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber was a game-changer for me. It opened my eyes to the importance of working on my business, not just in it, and helped me think more strategically about creating systems and processes. I’ve also immersed myself in podcasts about entrepreneurship, particularly in the coffee shop industry, which have provided both inspiration and practical advice as I navigate this journey.

Together, these resources and experiences have guided me in building a strong foundation for Coby’s Cafe, balancing my creative vision with the structure needed to bring it to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most challenging moments in my journey was trying to find a commercial space for Coby’s Cafe. I spent over 1.5 years searching, and it was one of the most discouraging periods. As a new business without a proven track record, landlords were hesitant to take a chance on us. The concept of a dog cafe was also unfamiliar to many, and the idea of having dogs on-site raised concerns about barking and potential disturbances for neighboring tenants.

At times, it felt like an impossible hurdle. Without a space, I couldn’t fulfill my dream of creating a warm and welcoming community for dog lovers. There were days when I seriously questioned whether this idea could become a reality. But instead of letting the situation defeat me, I shifted my focus to what I could control. I poured my energy into learning more about entrepreneurship, working with mentors, and refining the business plan. I wanted to be as prepared as possible for when the right opportunity finally came along.

That perseverance paid off. Looking back, I’m proud of how I navigated that uncertainty. It taught me the importance of staying focused on what’s within my control and having faith that, with persistence, solutions will eventually present themselves. This journey has been a true test of resilience, and it’s made me even more grateful for every step forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cobyscafe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobys.dog.cafe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553537724188
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coby-s-cafe-seattle