Inspiring Conversations with Chenda Mean of CJ coffee house

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chenda Mean.

Hi Chenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Story — CJ Coffee House

In 2011, I came to the United States from Cambodia as an international student, carrying more hope than certainty. I was far from home, learning a new language, a new culture, and how to stand on my own. Every day was a challenge, but I believed that education would change my life.

4 year later, I graduated from university with a degree in Entrepreneurship. Soon after, I got married and became a first-time mother. Life was moving fast, and my responsibilities grew heavier, but I find my dreams.

I had no experience in the food or coffee industry.
I didn’t know how to run a café.
But I knew I wanted to build something of my own.

With financial support from my parents and endless emotional support from my husband, I took a leap of faith. In 2018, while raising my first child, I opened a small coffee shop in Orange, California — CJ Coffee House.

The journey was harder than I ever imagined. I learned everything from the ground up making coffee, managing costs, serving customers, and solving problems as they came. There were long days, sleepless nights, and moments when I doubted myself. I cried when no one was watching, then showed up the next morning and opened the doors again.

Running a business while becoming a mother tested me in every way. I was building a future while raising a child, often sacrificing rest, comfort, and certainty. But every challenge reminded me why I started to create stability for my family and to prove that dreams are possible, even when the path is difficult.

Over time, CJ Coffee House became more than a business. It became a home, a place built on perseverance, love, and resilience. Customers became regulars. Regulars became family. Every cup of coffee carries my story.

From 2018 until today, I continue to run CJ Coffee House with gratitude and pride as a businesswoman, a mother, an immigrant, and a dreamer. I carry my parents’ belief in me and my husband’s encouragement in everything I do.

CJ Coffee House is not just my coffee shop.
It is my journey poured into every cup.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting CJ Coffee House meant stepping into the unknown. I had no experience in the food industry, limited resources, and everything to learn. I faced long hours, financial pressure, and the constant challenge of balancing motherhood with running a business. Employee management is the big challenging for me. There were slow days, unexpected costs, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt. But every obstacle became a lesson, and every setback strengthened my determination. I learned by doing, adapted through hardship, and refused to give up.

As you know, we’re big fans of CJ coffee house. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What Makes CJ Coffee House Different

CJ Coffee House was built with intention, not trends. As a small, independent café, I focus on quality, consistency, and genuine care rather than volume or shortcuts. Every drink is made with attention, every customer is welcomed personally, and every detail reflects the heart behind the brand.

What makes us different is that this business was built by learning, not copying. I didn’t come from the coffee industry I grew into it. That means every improvement, recipe, and process comes from experience, listening to customers, and constantly striving to do better.

What We Specialize In

We specialize in handcrafted coffee and drinks made fresh, using carefully selected ingredients and balanced flavors. We focus on:
• Thoughtfully prepared coffee and espresso drinks
• Consistent quality from cup to cup
• A calm, welcoming space where people can slow down

Our goal is not to overwhelm customers with options, but to do a few things exceptionally well.

What I Am Most Proud Of

What I am most proud of is not just the coffee, but, it is the community. CJ Coffee House has become a place where people return not only for a drink, but for comfort, connection, and familiarity. I am proud that this shop was built from nothing but determination, that it has stood strong since 2018, and that it continues to grow while staying true to its values. Most customers come to CJ coffee as their second home.

All employees work at CJ is considered as a part of structure. We build strong structures to success. We support, respect, and look out for one another. When you join CJ Coffee House, you’re not just an employee, you’re part of our family.
• We grow together, help each other, and celebrate every win big or small.
• Family means teamwork, kindness, and showing up for one another every day.
• Here, everyone is valued, heard, and treated with respect just like family.

Most of all, I am proud that my children can see what perseverance looks like and CJ Coffee House stands as proof that dreams can be built with patience, hard work, and love. It is the place where my kids see the real experience of life.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite app is allrecipes. I alway get inspired by this app by learning new things and testing new menu for both food and drink. I try to create the healthy food and drink to make my customers eat healthy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cjcoffeehouse.com
• Instagram: Cjcoffeehouse
• Facebook: Cjcoffeehouse
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/YBKUlkX_T5