There is something to be said when opposites attract. More often than not, the contrast between two different points of view can create something unique and special.
This was the concept that two sisters Lissa and Lina Lee put into practice when opening Laze Cafe which is located on the second floor of the Higher Point Apartment in Kiulap.
Being polar opposites with different interests and business ideas, the sisterpreneurs have managed to merge their passions together and open a cafe that not only serves as a cozy home for their hobbies but also a cozy and chill establishment that customers can enjoy.
Laze Cafe is a collaboration between the 25-year-old and 23-year-old Lissa and Lina’s two individual businesses, Sandstorm and Lil Bite.
When you meet them, it is apparent how different these two siblings are, Lissa is bright and cheerful whereas Lina tends to be more calm and more collected.
The two also display knowledge and interests in different fields, but rather than being a detriment, the different skillsets of each sibling mesh perfectly with each other, with Laze Cafe providing a place where people can chill and enjoy the bakes made by Lil Bite as well as a showroom for Sandstorm’s eclectic range of gifts and decor.
“We found a balance to adapt two opposite thoughts or opinions and make use of them, which has now become one of our strengths,” said Lissa.
Initially, both businesses began online about a year ago and were found by each individual respectively, but now both businesses are able to run physically with Laze Cafe as its cafe and pseudo-storefront.
A few months after starting their online business, they had a dream of opening a store together, a space with Sandstorm’s products on display and Lil Bite’s bakes available like a cafe, just like what they have now.
“As for the name Laze, we want our customers to chill and relax at our cafe and the word Laze suited the most. According to Google, Laze was explained as spending time in a relaxed, lazy manner,” said the entrepreneur.
Currently, the small cafe is being run by the two sisters and they are in charge of several sections according to their own strengths.
Younger sister Lina is a baker and runs Lil Bite, so she is in charge of the food and beverages menu as well as the accounting. Meanwhile, Lissa is in charge of marketing, pop-ups and anything design related which includes the cafe’s interior.
Currently, Laze Cafe sells aesthetic items, stationeries, bakes and drinks available in the store while their menu offers drinks for Coffee Lovers, Matcha Lovers, Choco Lovers, Brown Sugar Pearl, Sparkling and Tea Lovers.
They also sell a variety of food items such as sandwiches, nachos, dim sum, Lil Bite bakes and also regular special menu items like Pandan Cake Roll, Coffee Cake Roll, Macarons and more.
From time to time, they also offer special menu items that change once every few days such as the Donut Coffee, Banana Smoothie, Cinnamon rolls and more, so be sure to keep an eye out for them by following their Instagram @lazecafe.bn.
Although there are a lot of competitors in the market, the sisterpreneurs shared that what makes them different from others is the chill and cozy vibes of their cafe.
“Our cafe is also not an ordinary cafe as you can shop for unique items imported by Sandstorm such as tableware, candles, stationeries and so on,” said the youthpreneur.
Laze Cafe also makes trips to Tutong, Lumut, Seria and Kuala Belait as they want everyone to have the chance to try out their bakes. They are also available via food delivery apps, GoMamam and Tapow.
Even though the business is still quite new, they have gained quite the attention on social media as the cute and comfy ambience of the cafe proves to be popular among customers.
The entrepreneurs are also planning to provide photocopy and printing services so that their cafe can be a convenience to students as well.
Additionally, they are also looking into expanding their menu, hoping to add some light meals in the future.
However, like many MSMEs, especially in the food and beverage industry, the lack of supply and ingredients remains an issue in this post-pandemic age.
Despite this obstacle, however, the sisters are trying their best to make do with what they have and are doing everything they can to keep going.
“With the help of others, you can achieve something greater. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice if you are lost. To me, starting is not hard, maintaining is,” said Lissa, noting the excellent teamwork of the staff at Laze Cafe.
Visit and chill at the Laze Cafe to support them and follow their Instagram @lazecafe.bn to catch the special menu item that they have for that day.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
