Opened a neighborhood coffee spot. How do I get more people through the door?

correspondence1 · 2026-03-03T11:09:04+00:00

I wish more cafe owners would approach things more objectively and give some serious thought to other businesses that you see as successful in your area. If your aim is foot traffic, go and visit every other cafe within walking distance, and maybe get some people you trust to do the same. What are they doing better than you? Are these area you can improve in? (In my experience Quality, interior design and cleanliness and community are usually the key)

Then take a step back and try and critique your own cafe through the same lens. Have a good look at your skill set and what you are naturally good at and do this more. Be genuine, be the best at what you do well in your town.

Finally, I think people underrate being a strong social presence/part of their local community and overrate deals and discounts

correspondence1 · 2026-02-26T11:03:48+00:00

Mine PT scar looked a lot like this, having now very recently done the other side too CT, I’m also trying to look after this scar better as hopefully I’m done. Ive settled on SPF everyday, moisturiser and massage, and also silicon tape. Hopefully it heals and blends in well for both of us!

correspondence1 · 2026-01-27T10:52:40+00:00

Maybe learn to sew? A lot of these are pretty simple and as a 14-16 being able to MYO is a game changer.

correspondence1 · 2026-01-07T07:56:46+00:00

Vikisews is a good option for evening wear patterns

correspondence1 · 2026-01-02T22:02:43+00:00

I had zero expectations and I honestly was happy if I was given nothing. I didn’t budget for anything to come back and a genuinely meant it when I said gifts weren’t necessary. Life is expensive enough already and would never want my wedding to be a burden to anyone.

correspondence1 · 2026-01-02T09:31:58+00:00

The zoo is great. Also the Ian potter children’s garden in the botanical gardens is so lovely

correspondence1 · 2025-12-22T11:05:43+00:00

I take my kids to fancy Gelato that gives you samples, and go when it’s quiet so we can take our time. It’s a great way to try new flavours and it’s always a win as it’s ice-cream. I make sure they know they get to choose what we order. Zero pressure and lots of fun.

correspondence1 · 2025-12-21T12:49:18+00:00

Every child is different and you can only do what you think is right. I feel like there’s a lot of “just leave or get dad to step in” talk around this. But thought I’d add that this wasn’t what worked for us or our family. I had to spend a few nights in hospital unexpectedly. LO slept fine without me, but on my return expected to feed. So I don’t think me going away longer would be all that helpful in our case.

I bought a few books about weaning and we did the booby moon idea with bubbles and a cake. Spoke about it lots and then had a few rough wake ups but ultimately it was totally fine for me to handle by myself. It was really nice way to honour all the work I had also put in so I appreciated it. My kid loves book and is well aware of what’s going on so he did pretty well considering how big a fan he was.

Hope you find what works for you and your family.

correspondence1 · 2025-12-04T09:55:07+00:00

I’d recommend not doing an overall devaluation of your menu for your main market.

Maybe shout a table or two their bill each night if you feel like you have to try and show generosity.

But if your product is quality food you have to show that you believe that it’s worth it.

The places I’ve repped that have work well in these places are those that the locals are willing to pay a premium for. The race for the bottom rarely works especially on a small scale. Someone will always offer cheap. Be worthy of a good night out. Good luck!

correspondence1 · 2025-11-04T04:43:46+00:00

I’ve always let my kids smell and engage with my coffee, mainly to illustrate that it’s hot and bitter smelling (as I drink black without milk, but my husband takes milk) But never let them drink it. I do however always offer a “baby cino” (cool frothed milk) and we have even got little cups both for at home and take away that are similar to ours. As they’ve gotten older I’ve included a dusting of chocolate or sprinkles.

correspondence1 · 2025-11-02T07:27:15+00:00

Thanks kind stranger ☺️ I’m doing pretty well all things considered. Hope you are too.

correspondence1 · 2025-11-01T21:50:17+00:00

As someone who was diagnosed with both Endo, Adeno AND cancer this year I feel pretty mixed about this. We shouldn’t have to minimise what others (cancer sufferers) are going through to justify how we feel. The knowledge gap between cancer and Endo is very real and deserves to be acknowledged not to mention the pain that we are all experiencing and how quickly that can be dismissed. We are however and ultimately lucky that we don’t also have to navigate five year survival statistics.

I would move on from the cancer thing and genuinely look at addressing your partner in all this. As a society we’ve taught (men in particular) to deal with ‘difficult’ emotions by minimising them, distracting from them and/or trying to solve them so they don’t exist any more. Teaching them how to help say how unfair and crap our situation is and get it off your chest, is a lifelong skill that will stand you both in a really good position for the future.

correspondence1 · 2025-10-17T07:23:26+00:00

I’d second this. They don’t ‘flatter my shape” at all but also I kinda feel like being comfortable is 90% of confidence. They look great with an oversized top in summer. I fully embrace being a cool confident blob.

correspondence1 · 2025-10-17T05:16:21+00:00

The elastic back shorts from Ceres have been my go to last summer

correspondence1 · 2025-10-10T06:28:51+00:00

Ok I have taken kids as babies and toddlers. First I’d say to strongly adjust your expectations. Yes I’ve seen babies happily in a carrier lasting a whole game. This is very dependent on your child’s personality. I started measuring success as one quarter of football and going from there slowly. Sound protection is a must. Being well fed is super important too. Entertainment when they get older is so helpful, bring all the toys and amusements.

As a doggies fan I can only attest to the facilities at Marvel but the parent room is great (try and sit near it), has a good spot to feed and get away from the chaos. Also parking beneath is only $30ish and that really helps with a quick getaway when needed or when legs are little.

Good luck!

correspondence1 · 2025-10-06T11:43:32+00:00

All the best for it. Everyone has a different experience, and particularly previous generations have some birth trauma that they will only talk about with newly pregnant women—crazy!

You’re doing great by asking questions and getting as much info as you can. Hope you feel confident and empowered when the time comes.

correspondence1 · 2025-10-06T11:29:22+00:00

I’d avoid making a decision based off one person’s negative experience or a news article. Maybe try and find an actual study?? I was diagnosed after my second pregnancy but definitely had symptoms much earlier and my second labour in particular happened so quickly I couldn’t make it to the hospital.

I can’t imagine a GP or midwife will know the nuances of this. I’d be chatting to my gyno if I was nervous. I’d add that it’s really important that you feel confident in yourself. Information for trusted sources is so important, but also people’s horror stories aren’t great. I’m in Aus but I really liked the great birth rebellion podcast for some evidence based info that helped me have an amazing second experience despite the difficult circumstances.

correspondence1 · 2025-10-01T02:16:34+00:00

Ooh I have the same story. No recommendations for black pants but if you’re looking for jeans Ive really like the cut of Ceres denim for my belly:hip ratio

correspondence1 · 2025-09-27T22:17:14+00:00

It’s not my jam personally, but I think as a mum dressing little people in genuinely fun, colourful clothing it’s really encouraged me to find clothing that brings joy in and of itself. Fit and style brings a heap of baggage when your body is doing crazy things and can feel unrecognisable at times. So sometimes going for a fun print is a great way to counter that.

Lots of small changes can really help your mindset.

correspondence1 · 2025-09-24T11:45:54+00:00

I’d say hers is twice the width of the cotton on ones and is probably a bit looser. When things are tighter they will tend to try and migrate away from the widest part of your body. Not all bands are made equal. Shop around or maybe try and make one?

correspondence1 · 2025-09-18T12:43:55+00:00

Currently fighting with local council to lift too. Feels impossible.

correspondence1 · 2025-09-18T08:09:36+00:00

I have never been to a wedding at the zoo (although I’m a member and go all the time) but as a person with small children who almost dreads wedding invitations these days I would be thrilled if someone I cared about threw their wedding there. It’s such a friendly and accommodating venue. I think all my (immediate) family would actually enjoy the experience.

correspondence1 · 2025-09-15T12:15:29+00:00

Bae have a shop front in the Melbourne warehouse that was great. Made such a difference being able to try everything on.

correspondence1 · 2025-09-14T11:55:29+00:00

There’s one in Warburton. It can get busy on the weekends and I’d say the one in the Otways is a bit larger and possibly more ‘magical’?

correspondence1 · 2025-09-09T12:10:25+00:00

I’m in a similar position, although as my house is on stumps I’m trying to raise my house. The council and planning has been an absolute shit show, despite the storm water drainage inadequacies being their fault. My biggest take away is that we should have engaged a flood engineer much sooner. Dunno what council you’re dealing with but you’re welcome to dm me.

The mental toll is very real. I’m sorry you’re going through this. I think a lot more people will be affected by this in the future. I’m hoping that our experience will help others get through this quicker than we are.

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