Fresh out of school, young Lan wasn’t quite sure which career direction to take, but a friend invited him for an interview at Jardin Coffee. Despite having little experience in the food and beverage industry, he decided to give it a go.
Lan’s hard work and dedication impressed his superiors, and after just five months, he was invited to join the brand’s operations crew as a barista.
It wasn’t long before he was promoted to supervisor; today, he leads a team as a confident outlet manager at Jardin Coffee.
In 2023, he even picked up accolades for Best Operation Employee and Best Outlet Performance from the company.
“In the beginning, I myself wasn’t sure if I could do it. But my seniors slowly gave me more responsibility and trust, showing me how to solve problems and challenges. They were always very supportive of me,” Lan told FMT Lifestyle.
“I feel quite happy that I’ve managed to reach this position. A great part of the job is that I enjoy working with my team, who I consider my family.”
Looking back, the young Kuala Lumpur native, who was born to Sabahan parents, said one of the most important things he learnt at Jardin Coffee was how to lead through powerful and effective communication.
However, moving up from the kitchen to a leadership role was a steep learning curve. Lan soon discovered that managing people required as much skill and patience as mastering coffee and meal preparation.
He was grateful to his seniors and managers, who constantly remained patient and generous with their guidance, pointing out his flaws and offering thoughtful insights on how he could improve.
One major challenge was learning to work with a wide range of customers and team members, particularly those from backgrounds different from his.
“The culture here at Jardin is very supportive and friendly. Everyone respects each other. What really stands out here, is that if you put in enough effort, someone will notice and offer you opportunities to thrive,” Lan said.
Lan is grateful for the breadth of experience and wealth of knowledge he gained during his time at Jardin Coffee.
Now an outlet manager, he still often draws on the lessons he learnt as a kitchen helper and barista in his daily operations: particularly when it comes to teamwork and managing conflict.
He especially enjoys training new recruits and watching them reach their full potential on the job: a process that often reminds him of his own humble beginnings.
His advice to other young career hopefuls? Don’t be afraid to try new things, and always give your very best. And of course, try to work with a supportive and growth-oriented company like Jardin Coffee.
“It feels very meaningful, getting the chance to develop with this local brand,” Lan concluded. “Jardin proves you don’t need to go far or travel overseas to build a solid career. Local brands can also provide you with genuine opportunities.”
Just like its coffee, careers at this proudly local coffee brand are bold, rich and brimming with potential. Who knows where a journey with Jardin Coffee will eventually take you?