Oak & Saint Coffee was more than just a business—it was a passion project where creativity, design, and operations all came together to build a community-focused, high-quality coffee shop. As the co-founder and operations manager, I played a pivotal role in every aspect of this business, from the ground up. My responsibilities spanned business operations, design, staff management, and customer engagement, ensuring the shop ran smoothly and the brand stood out in a competitive market. I worked closely with clients, vendors, and the team to create an efficient and enjoyable experience for both customers and staff. My role was to create systems for smooth service flow, hire and train staff, and ensure that operations behind the scenes were as seamless as those in front. I also designed custom interior layouts to match the brand’s aesthetic and help foster the unique atmosphere we wanted to create. In addition to operational tasks, I co-created the menu, designed marketing strategies, and even took on barista and server duties to make sure I fully understood the ins and outs of the shop. Through a mix of creative thinking and strategic management, I helped build a strong local brand identity, increasing customer retention and creating a memorable experience for everyone who walked through the door. Key Contributions: Operational Systems: Created systems for staff workflow, service flow, and back-of-house organization to ensure efficiency and quality customer service. Team Building & Hiring: Led the recruitment and training of staff, establishing a positive work environment that aligned with Oak & Saint’s core values. Brand Development & Marketing: Developed marketing strategies, including new menu items and promotions, that increased foot traffic and customer engagement. Interior Design: Designed the interior layout and curated an atmosphere that aligned with the branding and values of Oak & Saint, enhancing the overall customer experience. Accounting & Financial Management: Managed the books, payroll, and accounting processes, ensuring that the business ran profitably and efficiently.