Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikki Terefe.
Hi Rikki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started with a late night drive. I was moving back from Colorado, after resigning from my last nursing job. I knew healthcare was not ultimately what I wanted to do. I knew I would be ending my contract in the Army soon. I had just torn my ACL on top of all of that haha. I was looking for direction in my life as my dad drove us home to Kansas. He asked me what I envisioned doing in life, and this is what I said: “I just want to open up a coffee shop or a cafe, host open mic nights, people can unwind over some coffee or a glass of wine and some talented artwork on the walls.” Such a brief statement that we laughed off that night. But I know that dream started to take root.
A few months later, I was driving a pastor I had just met to the airport, and she asked me what my dream was. And I told her the same thing. She said, “sounds like you want to create a space where students and adults alike can gather and feel safe, not rushed.” And it was right on the money. That is how I came up with the name, Havenly Cafe.
So I started working as a barista and gaining skills and knowledge about the coffee world. I learned what I liked and disliked and how to deal with a lot of mishaps and obstacles in the service industry. And I was not deterred. In fact, I fell more in love with the idea of my own coffee corner. A space where friends could come, and I could call my own.
As my aspirations grew, I started planning how to achieve my dream. I was inspired by the coffee cart industry and decided to start there. I did a lot of research, filled out a lot of paperwork, built my own coffee cart, purchased the heavy coffee machinery, and officially launched my mobile coffee business last December of 2025.
It has been so humbling and heart-warming this past year, getting to see the excitement over the mobile coffee bar, experimenting with different recipes and coffee beans, working all different kinds of sweet events and markets, toiling over all. the. manual. labor. it takes to set up, tear down, and run the mobile coffee bar. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love bringing joy to the events and weddings and markets I attend. I love the pace of my life right now and the support from old friends and new ones I’ve met along the way.
This isn’t the goal. In fact, this process has taught me that there is no finish line. Life is but a series of stepping stones. I may run this coffee cart business for a few years. I may build it into a brick and mortar. Who knows where the road will take us 🙂
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has its smooth and bumpy moments. Some months are slower in the beginning, and it’s difficult to find clients. It’s also difficult to continually put myself out there when reaching out to new companies and potential clients. That’s why it’s so sweet when I get inquiries and people requesting my coffee bar. It’s even sweeter when they’ve been referred by a friend!
The manual labor also takes a toll. I built my own collapsible coffee cart so that I can bring it to any event and set up in their space. Because it’s collapsible, it can fit through much smaller venues. But because it’s collapsible, it requires a lot of lifting and carrying and muscles and sweat. My espresso machine alone is 45lbs, and tests my lower back each time I carry it! But I enjoy working out, so I like to think of this part of the job as my exercise for the day 🙂 I also appreciate when my husband or dad occasionally helps me set up!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Havenly Cafe is a mobile coffee business that brings specialty coffee to you. We have a collapsible coffee cart that we set up in your space, and we serve every drink, made to order. We use locally roasted beans from Oddly Correct and we have seasonal syrups and beverages. Because we have a mobile coffee bar, you can elevate your event with not just coffee, but an exceptional setup, service, and a wide selection of drinks that we will make on site! From cold brew to lattes to chai, we know how to caffeinate your event in style. Our 5-star reviews from clients consistently speak on the joy and excitement our baristas bring with each order. We’d love to serve you at your next event!
What were you like growing up?
I was raised to be an overachiever. Did excellent in school and prided my parents with my accomplishments. But I loved the performing arts. I loved being creative and musical and adventurous. My love for singing and films and acting has always been a comfort for me. I spontaneously joined the Army out of high school and really fell in love with working out. To this day, I still enjoy lifting and going to the gym with my friends. I also love hiking and paddleboarding and just being out and doing things. I love the mountains and truly think I belong there 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://havenlycafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havenly.cafe?igsh=cW9hNTY4NjBvaXVz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PU87ARdu2/?mibextid=wwXlfr
