Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyung Byeon.
kyung, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back in 2009, I found myself struggling to support my family — my wife and two daughters — with the work I was doing at the time. Out of necessity, I began searching for a part-time job. That search led me to meet Tommy Kim, who would later become my coffee mentor, teacher, and roasting partner. Tommy is a multiple-time barista champion, and one of the most inspiring figures I’ve ever met in the coffee world.
Under his guidance, I discovered that coffee is far more than just a beverage — it’s an art form, a science, and a way to connect with people. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to learning, researching, and refining my craft as a barista. Working in various cafés over the years, I not only built experience but also a deep appreciation for the beauty and community that coffee creates.
Today, every cup I serve carries that journey — from a father searching for stability to someone who found purpose and meaning through coffee.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Because my main job required me to work mostly on weekday evenings and weekends, it meant that I had very little time to rest during the week. It was physically exhausting at times.
Still, I couldn’t give up — I had a family to take care of and two daughters who were counting on me. Even though working as a part-time barista back then meant earning just minimum wage, it wasn’t about the money. What kept me going was a growing love for coffee and a deep sense of responsibility for my family.
Looking back, those years were tough, but they also shaped my character. They taught me perseverance, gratitude, and the simple joy of doing something you love — even when it doesn’t seem to make much sense at the time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I began working as a barista in 2009 and continued in that path until 2021, gaining experience at many different cafés. Then, quite unexpectedly, someone I barely knew appeared in my life — almost like an angel — and offered to invest in me so that I could open my own café.
At that time, I had absolutely no financial means to start a business, so this opportunity was nothing short of a miracle. I truly believe it was a gift from God.
I poured everything I had — every bit of experience, passion, and love from my family — into building this café. For me, this place is both a testimony of my life and my own version of the American Dream.
From the very beginning, we focused deeply on coffee itself. Every espresso shot we pull is crafted with thought, care, and respect for the bean. Every recipe on our menu is the result of my years of experience and constant pursuit of improvement.
So when customers ask me which drink is my favorite, I honestly tell them, “I love them all.” Each one reflects a part of who I am.
Running a café, I’ve realized, brings many new challenges that are quite different from simply working as a barista. But no matter how busy things get, my focus has always been the same — to serve the best coffee possible. That’s why we never compromise on quality. We carefully select only the finest beans and ingredients, and we stay open to new ideas, tools, and methods in the coffee industry to continually raise our standards.
I’m not in this to sell one more cup of coffee or to make a little more money. Each cup I serve carries my pride and sincerity. When people truly enjoy my coffee, that alone is my greatest reward.
Recently, there’s been a nationwide trend toward matcha in the U.S., but we’ve been using premium ceremonial-grade matcha since the day we opened. We’ve even begun collaborating directly with farms in Japan to source the freshest and highest-quality matcha available.
Honestly, I don’t want our café to become a viral or overly famous spot. When a café becomes too busy, quality often suffers — and I never want that to happen here.
My dream isn’t to be “famous,” but to be beloved — to be known as one of those hidden gems in Los Angeles that people treasure.
Our café has a fair number of tables, and many of our regulars are students or young professionals working hard toward their dreams. My hope is that when they look back someday — after they’ve achieved their goals — they’ll remember this place as a small but meaningful part of their story.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I believe that finding a mentor is not something we can make happen by our own effort. In my case, it happened in a very unexpected and miraculous way. When I was simply doing my best to provide for my family and stay faithful in what I loved, God sent the right person into my life — someone who became not only my mentor, but also my teacher and lifelong friend.
That experience taught me that true mentorship is not about searching or networking, but about walking faithfully in the path God has placed before you. When you pour your heart and sincerity into what you do, God will connect you with the people who will bless your journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehistorycoffeela
