You know that iconic movie scene from When Harry Met Sally where an onlooker says, “I’ll have what she’s having”? Well, while this Meg-Ryan-style amazing woman makes orgasmic worthy cakes, I’m honestly not sure I could handle what Jen Watson fits into her day!
Jen Watson is a genuinely honest business woman who when asked to describe herself admits “Tired, happy and hard-working” sums her up. When I add ‘brave’, she accepts with the notation of “Yes, brave, I’ll take that. Or, just stupid” laughing frankly.
After two years of working a full-time job, raising a family of five kids AND running the café with a partner, Jen has quit her full-time work and transitioned to operating her business, Café MJ’s by herself.
Friendships are formed through humble service and a satisfied belly
As a regular customer enters the cafe with the greeting of “Good morning sunshine” and Jen responds with “Your normal order?”, it’s obvious there is more to Café MJ’s than strong coffee, hearty food and mouth-watering snacks. As Jen and her staff are elbow deep in a rush of morning orders there is a true sense of warmth from the café as giggles and jokes pass easily between Jen and her customers. Her sharp and witty humour is endearing yet edgy. This is probably why she can’t ever recall a rude or overbearing customer in her two years of business.
While food and coffee is the backbone of this business it’s really about relationships. Jen proudly describes her customers as “my people” and is happy to admit she has favourites. Al, from Scott’s Upholstery, is like a big brother who relentlessly taunts her about everything from her appearance to the menu and opening hours. But, like any sibling relationship, Jen gives back as good as she gets.
Similarly, Bob a more fatherly figure, from a local business (PML Print Mail Logistics) who has his very own menu item (the Bob Special) visits daily and delivers the local newspaper complete with printed ‘Café MJ’s’ label. The appreciation and respect for his patronage is palpable as Jen speaks of him.
Timing is everything when it comes to cooking up a good day
Jen has a respectful love affair with her coffee machine. And while she would choose a margherita over coffee any day she says her favourite part of the day is her first coffee of the morning that she enjoys with a regular customer, JJ, who routinely sits quietly with Jen as they ease into their respective work days. With such a hectic schedule, routine is an important part of Jen’s business and family life.
Challenges brew beneficial habits
It’s not all giggles and fun feels with customers. Jen started her business for the ideal of family-life-work balance but finds that mother guilt is hard. “I thought a café in an industrial area would offer a great way to fit well with kids. But there is so much more to it than the hours of work you put in at the café” says Jen. She adds “There are plenty of 3am sweat sessions, where you wake with that feeling of dread about all that needs to get done for the day”.
But true to Jen’s personality, from those ‘3am sweat sessions’ come habits that are beneficial for any business. “I plan my week ahead on a Sunday, with prep lists. Then on Friday afternoon I organize inventory and do orders for the following week. Being prepared makes the week easier” she advises. While it makes it easier, Jen warns that “making your business reliant solely on yourself makes it hard to take time away or when family things pop up”.
Constantly refining the recipe for success
Every business has its challenges and running a café is not all lattes and rainbow cakes. “The finances are probably the biggest challenge. Budgeting for the supplies and staff is the easy part. But there are so many other unexpected expenses that come up. Things like paying for our waste water each month. It’s really all about cashflow.”
Jenny explains that cash flow in a café can be a torrent or a drought. She admits “Most weeks are really worthwhile. But on the odd occasion, working for free is hard. Last week after bills and staff were paid I got nothing. That is really demotivating. And that feeling followed me into the weekend, which makes it hard for the whole family.”
Like burning yourself on the hotplate, you quickly learn a better approach for the future. Jen offers this advice to any new business owner “It’s really important to do your homework around the financials. We thought we’d covered off everything, but there are so many unforeseen expenses”. She adds “It’s good to speak to someone who is already in your industry to make you aware of things that only another café owner would know”.
Competition can be great food for thought
Jen Watson views competition as part of business. “I don’t lose sleep over other cafes in the area as we attract different clientele”. However, when she thought a local café was going to set up in her complex she was a little disheartened. “It would break my heart to watch my customers drawn somewhere else” she admits, again highlighting the emphasis on her ‘people’.
“I understand business is business but I truly appreciate integrity. So instead of stewing about what’s right and wrong in business, I approach my competitors and chat with them directly.” She adds “I have a good relationship with my competitors, which I think is important”. Jens view of “there is enough business for everyone” is what keeps her going, she adds “It’s about doing what your good at and doing it well”. And while she loves her customers and the service she provides for them, she’s not sure it will be her “forever career”.
What’s on the boil for Jen Watson and Café MJ’s?
If Jen could start over, she would still do it all again – with some slight changes. “I would push myself to be braver and go it alone from the start without a business partner”. For the moment Jen is working hard to maintain and grow her business. She is unsure what the future holds but knows that managing the stress of a small business, continuously making 4kg of rissoles before 5am, baking cakes and treats after hours and juggling five kids requires at least three cups of strong coffee each day.
Real food, served real well
Unlike the scene from When Harry Met Sally, there’s nothing fake at Café MJ’s. But, just like the movie there is a deeper, inspiring feeling. That is, Café MJ’s is about the relationships built by customers who regularly support her local business. And by Jen and her staff who treat their customers with genuine hospitality.
You’ll find Jen Watson at Café MJ’s, located at Unit 7/ 5 Tumbi Creek Road, Berkeley Vale. They are open 6.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Pop in for a coffee and lunch. You could try a Bob’s Special or you never know you may end up with your own menu item too!
