Annie Choi is passionate about creating safe spaces. After a mid-career pivot from the entertainment industry (working with Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Project Runway), she found herself seeking to create something, specifically, a place where people could feel free to be themselves and push back against the loneliness of Los Angeles. Thus, Found Coffee was born. Nestled in the Eagle Rock Neighborhood between Pasadena and Glendale, Found is a “gathering place” that “serves the community with exceptional customer service, delicious goods, and a sense of comfort.” In this episode of the CFWLA Podcast, Annie shares about her career-pivot, what following Jesus looks like in her life, how she’s navigating life as an entrepreneur, and how a theology of space can change a community.
ANNIE BIO
Annie Choi was one of the inaugural Fellows in the 2018 Cohort for the Center for Faith and Work LA Fellowship. She is the owner of Found Coffee, a specialty coffee shop in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. Prior to being an entrepreneur, she worked in the television post production industry on notable shows such Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Project Runway: All Stars. She loves telling stories and has a passion for gathering community. On her days off, she enjoys traveling, cuddling with her pup, Frankie, going to other coffee shops, and reading non-fiction books.
QUOTABLE
On Handling Anxiety and Career Changes: (13:12-13:54)
“My intense period of anxiety and worry was mitigated by simply sitting. That’s hard for a lot of us in cities, especially with demanding careers. We don’t know how to sit and listen. I was forced to do that, and now I’m actually kind of grateful for that time of misery, because it just showed me how to be grateful for what I do have.”
On Cultivating Hospitality at Found: (22:08-22:21)
“My philosophy is that everyone wants to be known by name, and God calls us by name. So, it’s really important that everyone in my shop is known by name. … We can hold space for someone who feels isolated.”
On Handling Difficult Customer Interactions: (30:30-30:54)
“Being a barista is not an easy job just because it’s minimum wage. Because I've been in my employees’ shoes, myself as a barista, I’m incredibly ‘momma bear’ when it comes to these types of interactions, but I also try to extend grace.”