Enterprise: Koko Kawaii
What is their raison d’etre? To provide a world of immersive experiences for visitors in a haven designed to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Brittany McCowan started her business journey by building a vibrant online community through her YouTube channel, inspiring creative expression via tutorials and interactive workshops. Simultaneously, she pursued a degree in art therapy, honing her skills for specialised art classes for adults with disabilities. “Following my degree, a new dream emerged – a vision for a community art centre,” Brittany reveals. “This aspiration eventually bloomed into the thriving reality of the art café I proudly manage today, Koko Kawaii.
The venture began when Brittany’s online community affectionately named her koala character Koko. This character swiftly found its place within her stationery collection and sparked the initial idea for a themed café. “While managing my online stationery business, my close collaborations with fellow small-business owners sparked a greater ambition within me,” Brittany explains.
“Our mission is to inspire creativity in an all-welcoming space, reaching beyond art and cuisine to provide a comforting sanctuary.”
Embedded in the Kawaii culture, Brittany has curated a soothing environment adorned with soft pastel colours and charming characters, creating a haven designed to alleviate stress and anxiety. “This fusion of Kawaii culture and sensory care at Koko Kawaii forms a unique and accommodating space, embracing diverse needs and celebrating individual differences,” Brittany enthuses. “Our mission is to inspire creativity in an all-welcoming space, reaching beyond art and cuisine to provide a comforting sanctuary for those seeking solace and creativity.”
More than just an art café, Brittany describes Koko Kawaii as a world of immersive experiences for her visitors. We take pride in offering a diverse range of engaging activities,” she says. “From our vibrant Splash Room, to painting adorable animal characters on cookies, our guests revel in hands-on artistry. The Art Wall awaits with an array of mixed goodies, offering a canvas for self-expression, and our DIY station allows the crafting of keychains –a personalised touch to take home from your visit.
“Visitors frequently find themselves squealing with excitement when they step into the café,” Brittany adds. “It’s a haven of positivity and creativity, offering a one-of-a-kind and joyous experience. My staff often find themselves spending time with our guests, explaining all the aspects of our cafe, as there is a lot to take in when you first arrive. We’ve had guests come from all corners of the globe, including families from Paris, New York, London and Tokyo – all of whom discovered us on social media platforms such as TikTok.”
The journey hasn’t been straightforward, with Brittany’s limited experience in hospitality creating challenges. “Balancing roles as a barista, manager and accountant demanded rapid skill development,” she admits. “Managing cashflow, finding reliable suppliers, and handling staffing complexities were hurdles. Expanding the team to address understaffing strained our finances, often leaving me in a bind when it came to meeting supplier payments by week’s end. To resolve this, I resorted to innovative solutions, revamping staff scheduling and hours allocation. The ongoing challenge of managing staffing during slow business periods remains, but I’m learning to handle it better over time, mindful of the impact on the staff’s financial stability and wellbeing.”
Navigating these challenges in the early days demanded creative problem-solving to balance financial stability and staff welfare, mitigating the impact of Brittany’s limited experience in the hospitality sector. Her team’s happiness remains a priority, and Brittany continues to strive to improve both the financial stability of the business and the wellbeing of her team.
Brittany eagerly anticipates the prospect of expanding into a larger space in the next few years, broadening her horizon to host larger events and introducing fresh characters and menu items, enhancing the overall experience for all who step through the door.
This article first appeared in issue 43 of the Inside Small Business quarterly magazine
