Small Business Spotlight: Coconut Whisk Café

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

Bella Nhi LamAnother ribbon cutting in downtown Minneapolis! Coconut Whisk Cafe officially opened its doors in downtown Minneapolis Thursday, May 20, with a ribbon cutting at Noon. In attendance were many friends, family and local politicians. We talked to entrepreneur-owner, Bella Nhi Lam, about the journey of starting a business in college (not so long ago in 2018) to having a storefront in downtown Minneapolis.

Q:  You started your business with no business degrees or extensive business plans. How has that changed?

A:  We have been so incredibly lucky to have advice and mentorship from so many people and organizations. We really did start with little money, but we had a big dream!  We were helped by Lunar Startups, ImpactSKU, Chameleon Shoppes, the mpls downtown council and so many others!   We have learned so much from individuals and organizations committed to helping entrepreneurs like us obtain access to capital, and peer support and mentoring. I am a first-generation college graduate and immigrant (from Vietnam). I could not have done any of this without the support of my family or my partner, Myles – and opening my first storefront during AAPI Heritage Month is very meaningful to me.

Q:  Where might we find your vegan and gluten free products today?

A:  Here at Coconut Whisk Café in the Young Quinlan Building, 81 S 9th Street, Suite 120, plus we're also in 70 co-ops in several states, and we have a large online presence, too. I’d like to point out that in addition to being vegan and gluten free, our tasty baking mixes are also easy-to-make, dietitian-approved, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, soy-free, non-GMO and made without preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Q:  What would you recommend to someone if they’re trying your products for the first time?

A:  Here in the café, our Dirty Mylk Boba and the Lake Monster and wonderful drinks for first timers. They will also like Cloudberry Waffles or Waffle Sticks, available in multiple flavors! Online, I think our Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix would be one to choose. 

Q:  What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?

A:  I want to give back to help other entrepreneurs just getting started. I want to support BIPOC and women-owned makers in my store. I hope to continue to work on the issue of food insecurity – there is so much hunger in our community. Please note that for every baking mix sold, we support local and global hunger initiatives.

I want my business to succeed so that I may continue to positively impact our community’s health, the environment, animals and the planet.

Q:  I think you’re going to be a huge success gauging by the crowd of people at the May 20 ribbon cutting ceremony. How may we follow your news?

A:  Please follow us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Come by the café and have a snack with us!