Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Mendis.
Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always carried a love for coffee with me. During my years as a flight attendant, I had the privilege of traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and stepping into coffee shops in cities near and far. Each one had its own personality — some were cozy and quiet, others bustling and full of energy. But they all shared something special: they brought people together. That feeling stayed with me, and over time, it grew into a dream of creating a place of my own.
Three years ago, my business partner and I decided to take that leap of faith. We started small — a tiny 500-square-ft shop, offering ice cream and tea. It was humble and simple, but it gave us the foundation we needed. My partner and I balanced each other well: I brought my love of coffee and the inspiration from my travels, while he brought a steady vision and business drive that kept us grounded. Together, we poured our energy into the shop, working long hours and learning step by step what it meant to build something from scratch.
At first, we weren’t sure what direction the shop would take. But as we added coffee to the menu, everything began to change. Customers responded immediately. Coffee became more than just a drink for us — it became the heart of our shop. People came not only for the taste but also for the sense of comfort and connection we worked hard to create. That’s when we knew we were onto something bigger than ourselves.
As the months went by, our little space was bursting at the seams. We were outgrowing the shop, but instead of being overwhelmed, we saw it as an opportunity. After months of planning, saving, and dreaming, we moved into a much larger location this past May. It was a milestone we’ll never forget — opening those doors for the first time and seeing customers walk in with excitement on their faces.
Today, our café has blossomed into something far beyond what we first imagined. We now offer a wide variety of selections — from teas and boba to handcrafted coffee, refreshing juices, sandwiches, croissants, and baked goodies. Each item on our menu is chosen with care, reflecting our belief that good food and good drinks can bring joy to everyday life. But what makes us proudest isn’t just the menu or the bigger space — it’s the community that has formed around us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting with such a tiny space, we had to learn everything on our own — from managing inventory to understanding what our customers really wanted. There were long nights, financial stress, and moments when we weren’t sure if we could keep going. Growing during a time when costs were rising and competition was strong wasn’t easy either. But every challenge taught us something. Those struggles shaped us, pushed us to be creative, and made us appreciate how far we’ve come. Looking back now, we’re grateful for the hard parts because they built the foundation for who we are as business owners today
We’ve been impressed with Lilly’s, 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?
At our café, we’re known for creating a unique experience that goes beyond just coffee. What truly sets us apart is that we bring in authentic spices from Sri Lanka — including world-class teas and some of the finest cinnamon you can find. Those ingredients allow us to craft drinks and baked goods with flavors you won’t taste anywhere else.
Alongside that, we offer a wide variety of options — from handcrafted coffee and specialty teas to boba, fresh juices, sandwiches, croissants, and baked treats. We’re proud that our brand has become a place where the community comes together, whether it’s for their daily latte, a study session, or simply to relax and connect. from the quality of our ingredients to the atmosphere we’ve created — is about giving people something special, something memorable, every time they visit
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can support us by visiting, enjoying our drinks and food, and sharing their experience with others. We also love collaborating with local vendors, creators, and businesses through events, pop-ups, and partnerships — we’re always open to creative ideas that bring the community together
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lillyscoffeeshopcom.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyscoffeeshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/179kEgoiJ5/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lillyscoffeeshop
- Other: Check out Lilly’s on DoorDash! https://www.doordash.com/store/
Image Credits
Olivia mendis
