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Izzy Leighs was supposed to travel the world this year. At least go to college. Instead, she started a small business in the middle of an economic shutdown.
Izzy’s Cafe and Coffee Bar has been operating out of a shipping container on Bealey Ave since June.
STACY SQUIRES / Stuff
Izzy Leighs, 18, has been a café owner for four months and says she loves it despite the cold winter mornings.
Four months later, and despite Covid-19 restrictions that have reduced business everywhere, its elegant container cafe is going strong, delivering the much-needed dose of caffeine by locals and essential healthcare workers in the world. Southern Cross Hospital across the street.
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Leighs planned to travel abroad after leaving St Margaret’s College last year and teaching children to ride horses at Camp America. Covid-19 put an end to that, but instead of feeling sorry for herself, she saw it as an opportunity.
“I guess you could say it was pretty spontaneous,” Leighs said.
“It was either this or uni and I personally think this is so much cooler.”
STACY SQUIRES / Stuff
Leighs paid for her coffee container in front of Southern Cross Hospital using her savings.
The teenage entrepreneur previously worked in a cafe and her parents had their own business, which she said were great influences on her starting one of her own.
“I love it. It’s so much fun. Yeah, early winter mornings are tough, especially in a container, but summer is so beautiful and people are so happy. Plus, it keeps me out of trouble.”
Leighs had no short-term or long-term goals for the business and was taking things as they came.
“I have no idea what I’m having for dinner tonight. All I know is that I want to sell good food and coffee and have it all as it comes.
“You have to be passionate and love what you do. If you are younger, you should not allow people to underestimate you and take advantage of you because of your age. “
STACY SQUIRES / Stuff
Leighs will host an artisan market at her cafe on October 10 to help showcase other small businesses.
Leighs wants to advocate for other small businesses in Christchurch and will host a craft market in the cafeteria on October 10.
Stalls will feature clothing, jewelry, handmade art, wax and soap products, organic and herbal products, and fresh bread. A portion of the market proceeds will go to SCAPE Public Art.
“I know what it’s like to be a small business, so I think it’s great to show others,” Leighs said.
“At times like this, people need to support the locals. So please, even if it’s just a cafe, choose your little place instead of a franchise. ”
