Some people have a strong olfactory memory — and I’m definitely one of them. Growing up in a Chinese-Khmer family, I was constantly surrounded by an array of scents: the rich aroma of incense when I visited temples, my dad’s favourite perfume (CK one for reference) that he’d put on everyday, but above all, the various smells of food. My parents owned a restaurant, and with frequent family gatherings for various celebrations such as Chinese New Year and birthdays, what stands out most vividly is the memory of my parents cooking, at any hour of the day.
When I reached adulthood, my first wish was to have a part-time job so that I could earn my own money and spend it as I pleased. Two months after my 18th birthday, I landed my first part-time job in a coffee shop: it felt like a whole new world opening to me. At the time, I wasn’t particularly fond of coffee, but I couldn’t help but notice the subtle joy it brought to me — the way my nose tingled with pleasure as I absorbed the different aromas, all while watching people savour their coffee. Shortly after, I found myself looking for more coffee shops to visit. Each one evoked a different feeling, yet they all shared one thing in common: they felt like home.
One of my many dreams is to open a coffee shop when I’m 30 or older. From exploring the essence of coffee shop culture to sharing my favorite spots to enjoy a delicious cup, and even guiding you through the steps of starting your own coffee shop, I want to share everything I’ve learned and experienced along the way.
I’m Celine, 24, ready to bring you into my world: one scent, one sip and one dream at a time.