Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Lua.
Hi Diana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Diana Lua. I’ve always loved cooking, gelato and coffee so for me, Tang & Java is my dream business. But it’s more than that. It’s launching my American Dream. I came here with my mom from the Philippines 23 years ago… I worked, studied and raised my family. As my Mom always says, “Work hard and earn your way” and that’s always been our family mantra.
So truly, Tang & Java means all this to us and more. It’s more than a home for great flavors and great service. It’s a home for everyone. James and I have four kids name Z, Daniel, Joshua and Zak. Our twins have special needs, so we feel very strongly about creating a space where all are welcome and aren’t judged. Where differences are accepted and celebrated.
How it started? One day, on my way to grab a tub of ice cream on a grocery store and accidentally saw the ingredients and preservatives it had. I was frustrated because my boys love ice cream but because most ice creams have a ton of sugar, fillers and often other unnatural ingredients, I didn’t feel good about it serving to them. So I told my husband if there’s an opportunity I would like to open a gelato and coffee shop.
I LOVE to cook and am a culinary-trained chef, I researched and took training specifically for gelato. l knew if I put my heart and soul into it, I could come to up with natural gelatos that had less sugar AND tasted great.
We’re also very limited where we can get coffee on this side of town, I’m tired of big chains and how the coffee tastes so what’s a perfect match for kids who love ice cream? Parents that can grab a good cup of coffee. And besides, my favorite dessert is affogato, A scoop of gelato with shot of espresso so I researched the perfect beans yet I couldn’t find the right one so I needed to source out the beans and have a roaster roast the beans for me on a perfect point where the exact flavor I prefer would release till we finally got the perfect bean that will perfectly match with my gelato and best of all, it tastes amazing on coffee!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I opened in the middle of the pandemic, finding employees is not easy especially finding someone who have the same passion and devotion that I have, yet I’ve been fortunate enough to get my team right now who’s dedicated and we all share the same vision. The marketing strategy have switched as well during the pandemic so I need to find the best way to reach and do marketing differently.
We’ve been impressed with Tang and Java, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a trained chef so we make our gelato and we handcrafted all our drinks, our menu is diversified thru travel so there’s something for everyone.
What makes Tang and Java Special and different with others?
– Quality, we never cut corners nor compromise because we believe in a simple yet great product starts with a quality ingredients. We source our ingredients locally and only used quality items so we can serve great food and drinks. Most of our lattes are organic, vegan and we offer sugar-free options. We also used locally sourced organic milk and milk alternatives to our gelato and coffee that’s gluten and dairy free.
– Customer Service – we want everyone to feel welcome and interact with customers. We love building relationships and friendships.
– Community Engagement, I want Tang and Java not just known for coffee and gelato but also a hub for the community and neighborhood. A place where you can meet, celebrate and enjoy with your friends and family. During the pandemic where everything seems so distant, we need to bring back human connections and interactions. We also love to give back to the community by doing some events and Fundraising.
– Experience, for everyone that walks in I want them to feel home, relax and have an enjoyable experience. I’m a big feng shui believer so we incorporate the elements so we can create a balance and tranquil environment and a perfect ambiance. The drinks and gelato that we made here will definitely give you that aha moment, a special treat where it can boost up your feelings or bring you back to childhood memories.
– Family, always as a mom of four kids and twins that’s on the spectrum, family time is very important and one of my favorite things is enjoying a treat with my family either going on a show, movie or food. So what’s a perfect way that kids will enjoy, ice cream or gelato and coffee for parents to catch up with the energy of their children. It’s a win-win.
What matters most to you? Why?
I wanted to provide a quality product like gelato that is made with locally sourced ingredients and contains less sugar and diversified flavors for everyone to enjoy. A great cup of coffee and latte that is handcrafted using fair trade and supporting women owned farms. And most especially, to be involved in my community and create events that raise awareness, school fundraising, and a place where people can meet up and bring back that human connection we lost during covid season.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tangandjava.com
- Instagram: @tangandjava
- Facebook: facebook.com/tangandjava
- Twitter: @tangandjava
- Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/YrIO4YHX2U
- Phone: (818) 564-4390
Image Credits
Tang and java
