“A strong brew of family support”

Feb 09, 2014 News

– Narvini Dewnath, a young entrepreneur, reveals the origins of ‘The Coffee Bean’

By Kiana Wilburg
How many of us have had a business idea, but have been suppressed by our very own fears and inhibitions? Well, you aren’t the only one.
Narvini Dewnath was just like most of us. Scared to venture into the entrepreneurial world and pursue the one thing she loves to do—making breakfast time, a special time.

Sita and Narvini Dewnath

But with the unyielding support of her family, she was able to make the first few steps into the unknown. And they are still there by her side as a guiding light.
Narvini explained that her family was from humble beginnings and though both mom and dad worked tirelessly to make ends meet, one part of the day was treated with the most reverence—breakfast time.
She confessed that her mother, Sita Dewnath, was always serious about having this time be a reflection of the bond they share with each other. It was the one part of the day they devoted to expressing true sentiments of appreciation and learning something new every day.
Most Guyanese, especially the working group, sometimes are so consumed by their busy schedule that they don’t have time for breakfast, much less a proper one. But this article isn’t just about highlighting the importance of the first meal of the day. It’s about an ambitious young woman who relinquished her throne of fears and started a new page. It’s a chapter in her life that she is still writing with the help and support of her mother, father and siblings.
Dewnath said that she always had the idea of starting a business that was centred on the values her family had instilled in her. But the intricate settings and requirements that come with a business was an added pressure. Narvini always dreamt of providing the quintessential breakfast and morning picker-upper, a café business.
If she were to start a coffee business, then where would she find a chef, an accountant, contractors and someone to maintain the business among other things? Not only did she have to consider the basic fixed expenditures, but also where was she going to get the money to do so?
Well, when her family said they were going to support her 100 percent, they meant every word of it. Though they had a modest start, Dewnath informed that her entire family chipped in just to make her dream come true—a quiet little café nestled in the heart of Georgetown, at 133 Church Street, South Cummingsburg. This establishment which she now runs today is called ‘The Coffee Bean’.
Immediately, they began planning as a family what they wanted to incorporate into the business and they ensured that it reflected not just a sense of simplicity, but also one of family.
“A cozy, family-oriented café was what we aimed for, one with a variety of great tasting foods that mom made for us when we were younger, and we even added a few modern dishes to the menu. But my family wanted to give my dream an international appeal. I am very grateful for this. We began our research via travelling to find the best machines, beans and blends to make a menu that we could be very proud of. We travelled in search of the art of making a variety of lattes, cappuccinos and milkshakes. And after much searching, we found that secret.”
She revealed as well that she found a closer bond with her family as they all worked together in making her dream come true. She added that the support of her family is actually the secret of the business.

A variety of what is offered at the Coffee Bean.

“Family is important. And we often leave them out of the equation when we are taking on big assignments that can alter the course of our lives. Having them close also helps to promote a stronger relationship, and I would advise young entrepreneurs to trust in the experience of their parents.”
She added, “My mom was a part of the education system… helping to mould the children, until she decided to have some children of her own. When that time came, my mom with the support of my Dad, Bholanauth, made great sacrifices to raise my sister Nasheta, and my brother Narendra and of course, me. They ensured we were able to get the best of everything at the right time. From their encouragement and hard work, we were able to all benefit from the education system and I was able to acquire a Degree in Mass Communications and a Post Graduate Diploma in International Studies. As a distinction student, I completed an internship in Grenada.”
Further, Dewnath and her mother manage ‘The Coffee Bean’ which she describes as not being work but a fun experience almost every day.
Her mother is in charge of the beverage and cuisine aspects, as she had intensive training courses in the culinary arts.
“Mom pays careful attention to every detail and keeps us all on our toes, I’m learning under her tutelage, and boy, does she watch me like a hawk.”
She urges young entrepreneurs that since running a business takes dedication and discipline, if you have a family member who you can exchange ideas with, and make the experience fun, then it’s all worthwhile.
“My entire family contributes towards making the café successful. Dad and my brother come on the weekend to do routine checks of all equipment and infrastructure, my sister assists us when she has some spare time and my brother-in-law always has advice to share with us.”
Dewnath is also a young woman with a huge heart. She has done some voluntary work with orphanages in Guyana in the form of taking her café to those children who are less fortunate.
“I am always looking for new ways to contribute and I do believe that breakfast is a very important meal. We have made contributions to several orphanages in terms of offering meals and it is something which we will continue to pursue. We will continue to help when we can and I hope that young entrepreneurs can remember also the importance of giving back.”