Coffee & Karma: Feature on Jonny Liu of Mantra Coffee
Coffee is mankind’s survival juice. A go getter companion for early mornings and go to for late nights alike. Americanos and macchiatos fuel us through our busy days.
For Jonny Liu, owner of Mantra Coffee Company and self proclaimed coffee connoisseur, coffee goes far beyond the mere mid-day caffeine boost.
Liu opened the doors of Mantra Coffee Company, located on San Gabriel Blvd in Azusa, on Dec. 4, 2015, making it one of the first non-profit coffee shops in the city.
It’s artsy, homely structure and beaming blue exterior freshened up the city and provided locals with a new hangout to get their morning fix.
Photo by: Elizabeth Alcarez
As a resident of Azusa for 10 years, Liu found himself needing to travel to find the perfect cup of joe and decided it was time for his neighborhood to provide one themselves.
“I’ve always been really passionate about this area and stayed focused on opening here,” Liu said.
Walk into Mantra at any hour and you are bound to be greeted by smiling faces. The staff is bright and friendly, and the coffee is even better.
Mantra prides itself on good quality coffee at affordable prices, with popular drinks like their vanilla lattes, for just under $5.
Liu set out to create a comfortable environment for the community, with Mantra’s home-like appearance and neighborly vibes.
“We want people to stay, we want people to feel comfortable,” Liu said. “Part of defining love is providing a space for people to hang out. We hope our environment makes people feel welcome.”
In just the few months it’s been open, Mantra has become a well-known name among coffee goers.
“The day before we opened we were wondering, ‘Is anyone going to come?’ but from the day we opened to now, it’s been busy, and maybe that’s because the community was ready for a coffee shop like this.” Liu said.
This quaint coffee shop is a refreshing change from the corporate feel of Starbucks and Coffee Bean. Mantra offers a large outside seating area, snug indoor lounging, all surrounded by conversation-worthy art pieces, bright colors, and light open space.
Liu’s vision for Mantra was to bring people together, and the interior layout reflects that goal. A couch is placed near the baristas encourages them to socialize with guests as they work, allowing more personal interactions between the employees and customers.
Photo by Elizabeth Alcarez
Mantra Coffee owner Jonny Liu pictured outside of Mantra Coffee on San Gabriel Blvd in Azusa.
The shop also hosts weekly and monthly events, ranging from Donut Snob Saturdays, where Mantra teams up with LA’s popular delivery donut shop to serve locals unique and tasty pastries, to Puppy Patch Tuesdays, where puppies are brought into the shop for a couple of hours, promoting play time and a little pet therapy. Musical performances by local acts are also prominent at Mantra.
“Mantra has given me a place to study and hang out with friends between classes, and the nightly music shows are awesome,” said Mantra regular and college student, Luis Limon.
The shop is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, so guests are always welcome to start and end their days with good coffee and in good company.
Liu’s previous career helped inspire his vision for Mantra, he always aims to make personal interactions with his guests.
“I worked as a counselor, and I worked with college students for many years, and that’s why Mantra’s mission is to love people first. We’re really not just a coffee shop.” Liu said.
Putting concern for the community into action, Liu plans to donate 51 percent of the money they make to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Liu will give that money away in June, the sixth month anniversary of its opening.
“We want to support people’s dreams, because sometimes without money, we stop dreaming. So it’s really important for us to give away the 51 percent,” Liu said.
Liu stressed the importance of helping people for the love of it rather than the profit.
“If we open another location, it won’t be to make more money. It will be because we believe in that neighborhood and want to contribute towards its betterment,” Liu said.
Liu and his team will continue to strive towards their personal and shared mantras, paving the way for hybrid non-profit businesses everywhere.
Many people contribute to this effort. From day one it took a collaborative approach of volunteers and dreamers who wish to see Mantra thrive.
“Mantra opened with the vision to first and foremost love people, and make damn good coffee too,” Liu hopes that his shop will encourage others to discover their own mantras as well.
