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

Yulia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I used to think success could only be earned by people with extraordinary talent, wealth, or influential connections. Now, years later, I see it’s mostly earned by hard work, resilience, and an unwavering desire to build something greater. From my experience, the key to success lies in determination, the willingness to take risks, and the ability to push through challenges, even when things feel overwhelming.

When I moved to the United States, I had none of the traditional advantages, yet I was able to build 1 Oz Coffee—a company with four coffee shops, a coffee catering service, and a team of 40 employees—while also raising three children. I started this business while pregnant with my first son and continued to grow it through the births of my other two children, balancing every aspect of the business myself—from working behind the bar to managing HR, accounting, and team training. One of the examples: the evening before giving birth to my third baby spent on the phone with CPA preparing for an audit, and payroll for my team in the morning just hours after giving birth to make sure it’s done on time.

Success is often portrayed as effortless, but the reality is full of sleepless nights, constant problem-solving, and moments of doubt. What truly makes the difference is passion, perseverance, and the right team. Without dedication to my vision and the incredible support of my team, none of this would have been possible.

Yulia, 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?

I came to the United States from Siberia, Russia, in 2008, and one of the biggest surprises I encountered was the lack of specialty coffee—even in one of the most technologically advanced parts of the world. After spending over a year searching for coffee that truly resonated with me and coming up empty, I decided to create it myself. That’s how 1 Oz Coffee was born.

At 1 Oz Coffee, our mission is to craft a space where people can momentarily escape their daily stresses and “Sip life 1 Oz at a time.” We source coffee from renowned roasters across the United States and around the world, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection. Our approach is built on the art and science of coffee—we meticulously train our baristas before they ever serve a guest, emphasizing precision, technique, and hospitality.

What sets us apart is our belief that coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a universal language that brings people together, regardless of background, political views, or beliefs. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, we strive to make every guest’s day a little brighter, one cup at a time.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Yes, in addition to our coffee shops, 1 Oz Coffee has multiple supplementary revenue streams that extend our expertise beyond our physical locations. We offer coffee catering services, bringing handcrafted, high-quality coffee to events, offices, and special occasions. Our coffee classes provide education for home baristas and enthusiasts, covering everything from espresso techniques to latte art. Additionally, we provide coffee-related consulting, assisting businesses in optimizing their coffee programs, refining workflows, and selecting the best equipment and beans. These services not only diversify our business but also contribute to enhancing the coffee culture within our community.

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

A key lesson I had to unlearn is that cutting costs on labor not always leads to savings. Early on, I believed that as long as someone could do the job, I was making a smart financial decision by choosing the most budget-friendly option. However, I quickly learned that the true value lies in the people we work with—their reliability, expertise, and professionalism.

There were situations where trying to save money by hiring less experienced contractors or service providers ended up costing far more in the long run—whether due to mistakes, delays, or the need to redo work entirely. I realized that investing in skilled, knowledgeable professionals from the start not only saves time and stress but ultimately protects the business from bigger financial losses. Now, I prioritize expertise and dependability over short-term savings, knowing that a job done right the first time is always the best investment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1ozcoffee.com
• Instagram: 1oz_coffee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1ozcoffee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1-oz-coffee/about/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/1-oz-coffee-huntington-beach

Image Credits

1. Coffee Catering by 1 Oz Coffee
2. Positive and inviting environment
3. Latte art and espresso classes
4. Rotating seasonal drinks