“It's a silly argument, and unnecessary. Creativity doesn't happen "in here" or "out there" but in the spaces in between. Creativity is a relationship, one that unfolds at the intersection of person and place.”
― Eric Weiner
The Geography of Genius
Dropped by this small jewel of a place inside a public flower market last weekend. The lower floor is a succulent store manned by a stern-looking grandma who turned to be very persuasive at selling me a pot of succulents.
A wooden flight of stairs leads to the door of the cafe. We meet the owners and chatted for a bit (cafe owners are always so friendly!). They're a two-man team: she's an illustrator and he's a photographer who also makes a mean cup of coffee. The space is actually a workshop where they hold classes and they just added the coffee bar as a way to get more people in. The coffee menu is covered with her illustrations while the postcards and other photo-knicknacks are his works.
It's not a big cafe but with one wall in floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the light makes up for the tiny space. I also love how you can peer over their little landing and see grandma's collection of succulents and cute pots below.
It's always so nice to see places like these and confirm for myself that they're the creations of interesting and passionate people.
“I don't really like coffee, she said, but I don't really like it when my head hits my desk when I fall asleep either. ”
― Brian Andreas
I've only been drinking coffee regularly for 3 years. In the past, a cup of coffee could send me bouncing off the walls.
But not today.
I need coffee to start the day. Daily coffee has made me jumpier, but there's nothing like that jolt that coffee gives you to get off your lazy behind and start the day. Motion before emotion, as they say.
Thank God for coffee.
And for husbands who know how to make a good cup.
“The world is quiet here.”
― Lemony Snicket
Networking has never been my greatest strength but when I find kindred spirits in the few times I force myself to get out there, I'm lucky enough to make a few great connections, people who are passionate and willing to share what it is they do.
A friend of mine has a coffee subscription business and when she learned that I often sought cafes to photograph, she offered to collaborate. It was a great deal, since she's a natural people person and loves to hobnob with virtually anybody, something which is essential if you're running a business.
After doing a couple of cafe interviews which she does to promote her coffee subscriptions, we decided to do a product shoot in one cafe in Mont Mirage, a cafe/hotel in Nanshan Mt. It's 40 minutes from the centre, up the mountain and into a small village. Apart from the usual local restaurants and residential communities, the village is home to art galleries, cafes, and hotels, probably because the mountainside has a really nice view of the valley.
The cafe is done in the white/wood/minimalist style that is popular now (and I hope it never goes away) which means that you can easily fall into a relaxed, calm vibe the moment you sink into your chair. People go there to have coffee and take pictures.
The privacy is like no other, which is probably something that city dwellers looking for natural peace and quiet look for from time to time.
A few shots from that afternoon, including some of You&Coffee's offerings, which were featured on Chengdu-Expat! Read the article here.
