If there’s one thing we’ve learned since crossing over to the new millennium nearly 17 years ago, it’s that the youth is a force to be reckoned with. Young they may be, but the numbers show that millennials are making their mark in society and modern-day culture much earlier on in life than their baby-boomer predecessors. Today, it isn’t unusual to find businesses set up by creative young adults; these businesses can range anywhere from the food and beverage industry, fashion, and all the way to innovative tech.
Some may find the youth overambitious or even naïve, but it’s definitively a breath of fresh air and a departure from the dull world of office cubicles.
Business opportunities these days go hand-in-hand with social media. Say what you want about them, but you’ve got to admit that youngsters have a way with the internet. Social media was just the thing that led me to a brand new café in an apartment on Jalan Klang Lama, that despite having just opened a mere three weeks before my visit, was already attracting coffee-goers and photo-hunters alike from all over. Of course, I wasn’t immune to their charm.
Situated on the ground floor of Avantas Residence, Littlepeople proved to be a welcomed sight at any time of the day. Bright, airy, and spacious, the shop had a Scandi-Japanese style about it with clean white walls, raw wood accents and the occasional greenery that imbued the shop a sense of peace and tranquility. Bathed in Malaysia’s morning sunlight, it wasn’t difficult as to see why people enjoyed taking snapshots of the café so much, as around corner was a picturesque moment to immortalize and save for a rainy day.
The baristas’ counter was humming with activity as the crew set to work on their morning tasks. To the back of the shop, a window allowed patrons to get a behind-the-scenes look to what was going on in the kitchen. Other than providing residence with espressos and cappuccinos first thing in the morning, Littlepeople also put particular emphasis on the food they served, namely their a locally baked cakes and homemade pastas.
When it came to their coffee, the shop was all about keeping it fun and exciting, switching things up every now and then and even having a special ‘duo’ program where they featured two types of beans from the same roaster so that their customers can get a taste of all the coffee world had to offer. If you’d prefer something with a little less caffeine, no worries, Littlepoeple also has a great selection of fragrant teas and comforting chocolate based beverages.
After enjoying their fare, I sat down with Jeff to learn more about the budding café. Jeff explained that Littlepeople referred to, well, little people. The shop was founded by three young friends who, after exploring the scene and working in other coffee shops, set out to create an establishment of their own. They set up shop in one of the area’s brand new apartments and have been busy overseeing the shop’s development ever since, making sure every aspect of the café from their beverages, food, and service were up to scratch. That’s how a couple little people founded Littlepeople.
What can be said about the future of youth-run businesses? Are we to expect more of them in the future? I definitely think so. The work world has become so much more than four walls and a desk, and now opportunities come in all shapes and forms. The youth certainly isn’t lacking in creativity or imagination, so I see no shortage of interesting businesses in the coming times. Before you set out on your own endeavors, stop by Littlepoeple for a cup of coffee and some inspiration.
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Thank you Jeff for your hospitality and sending me some beautiful shots to feature in my article. Cheers!
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