Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Nguyen.
Hi Charles, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
CŌCHA began with a passion I’ve had since I was young with a love for food and beverage and the way it brings people together. I’ve always believed that a great drink is more than just something you consume, it’s an experience that creates connection and lasting memories. As I explored specialty matcha, I saw an opportunity to take something deeply rooted in tradition and reimagine it in a modern, thoughtful way. My goal wasn’t to change what matcha is, but to elevate how people experience it through craftsmanship, creativity, and hospitality. That’s how CŌCHA was born, it’s truly a place where tradition meets innovation, and every cup is made with intention.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was choosing a path that was completely different from what I had studied in school and from my family’s business. Opening a specialty café wasn’t the direction people expected me to take, so in the beginning, I didn’t have much support from my family. Looking back, I understand that they wanted me to choose something more familiar and secure.
Starting in an industry where I had no formal background meant I had to learn everything from the ground up. From understanding specialty matcha and coffee to developing recipes, building a brand, and navigating the day-to-day realities of running a business, every lesson came through trial, error, and persistence. On top of that, like many small business owners, we faced operational challenges and unexpected setbacks that constantly tested our resilience. There were times when I questioned whether I was making the right decision. But every obstacle strengthened my belief that meaningful things are rarely built on an easy path. Those experiences didn’t just shape CŌCHA, but they shaped me as a founder. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t building a business, but it’s believing in your vision before anyone else does.
We’ve been impressed with CŌCHA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CŌCHA is a specialty matcha and Vietnamese coffee brand built on the belief that every cup should be intentional. We carefully source first harvest matcha from Japan and pair it with thoughtfully crafted recipes that honor tradition while offering a fresh, modern experience.
As a Vietnamese founder, CŌCHA is also deeply personal. Growing up, I always admired how food and beverages have the power to bring people together across cultures. That inspired me to create a brand that celebrates the warmth and bold spirit of Vietnamese coffee culture alongside the craftsmanship, mindfulness, and hospitality rooted in Japanese tea traditions.
Rather than simply serving drinks, we’re creating a space where these cultures naturally meet. Every cup and every detail of our café is designed to tell a story, one that feels authentic to its origins while remaining welcoming and approachable to the American community. In a diverse city like Houston, I believe a simple cup can become a bridge between cultures, creating conversations, curiosity, and connection.
What makes CŌCHA different is that we don’t chase trends or create drinks simply to stand out. Every menu item is developed with intention, from the ingredients we source to the balance of flavors and the story behind each creation. We believe innovation should enhance tradition, not replace it.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just building a café, but building a brand with purpose. I hope people remember CŌCHA not only for a great matcha or Vietnamese coffee, but for the experience it creates, a place where different cultures, stories, and people come together, one cup at a time.
We don’t just serve drinks, we design experiences, one cup at a time.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that no dream is ever built alone. CŌCHA may have started as an idea in my mind, but it became reality because of the people who chose to believe in it long before there was anything to believe in.
Above everyone else, I owe my deepest gratitude to my wife. She was the very first person to believe in CŌCHA when it existed only in my imagination. Before there was a logo, a menu, or even a single customer, there was her unwavering faith in me. She gave me the courage to leave the familiar behind and pursue a path filled with uncertainty. During moments when I questioned myself, she quietly reminded me why I had started. Looking back, I realize she didn’t just support my dream, she carried it with me. CŌCHA would not exist today without her.
I also want to recognize our Social Media Manager, whose contribution goes far beyond marketing. She has been one of the people who gave CŌCHA its personality, its voice, and its place within the community. What moves me most is that she has never treated CŌCHA as just another client or another job. She has treated it like her own family. Every photo, every story, every campaign, and every late night spent perfecting an idea came from genuine love for this brand. If people have discovered CŌCHA, connected with our story, or felt inspired by our vision, so much of that is because of her creativity and heart. If I gave CŌCHA its vision, she gave it its colors. She helped transform an idea into a brand with warmth, personality, and emotion.
To every barista, assistant, and team member who has been part of this journey, thank you for believing in something that was still growing. The specialty beverage industry demands constant learning, patience, and attention to detail, and you embraced every challenge with humility and determination. What I’m most proud of isn’t simply the drinks we create, but the culture we’ve built together. A culture where people genuinely care for one another, celebrate each other’s growth, and always strive to give more than what’s expected. That spirit can never be taught, but it comes from the people themselves.
Finally, to every customer who has walked through our doors: thank you for giving a small independent business a chance. Every visit, every conversation, every recommendation, and every returning face has become part of our story. You didn’t just support a café, you encouraged a dream, a team, and a vision that continues to grow because of your trust.
When people ask who deserves credit for CŌCHA, my answer is simple: everyone who believed in this dream before it had proof that it would succeed. Their belief became my confidence, and their support became the foundation on which CŌCHA stands today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastecocha/?hl=en
