PHOTO: FILE
A homeless individual in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland has moved a step closer to realizing his dream of opening an affordable coffee business, thanks to the support of kind-hearted strangers. Through generous donations, Jonathan ‘Patchy’ Low has managed to secure a lease, bringing his vision of a budget-friendly coffee venture closer to fruition.
Raising over $12,000 in just under a month via a Givealittle campaign, Patchy intends to establish his own company, inspired by his viral TikTok fame gained in March. Previously, he sold cups of instant coffee from a shopping trolley for a mere $1.50 around Te Komititanga Square. However, three weeks ago, Auckland Council informed him of the necessity for proper permits to continue mobile trading.
Undeterred, Patchy now aims to launch Patchy’s Coffee Limited, having secured a two-year lease for a business premises in Rutland St, situated in the city center. Despite acknowledging that the location may not boast the highest foot traffic, Patchy remains optimistic about the venture’s potential.
With keys in hand, Patchy plans to partition the premises to accommodate a kitchen, a prerequisite for obtaining a food license, and subsequently a mobile trading license. He envisions offering not only instant coffee but also pursuing a broader business model involving multiple trolleys equipped with instant coffee kits, targeting lower Queen St each morning, complete with electronic payment options.
@patchyscoffee ????☕️ Patchy’s Coffee has secured an awesome Retail store located at 25a Rutland St in the Auckland CBD! This is an exciting development for Patchy as it means he will no longer be Homeless, plus the retail premises ticks heaps of practical boxes for this exciting NZ Startup company! @Lina @34glam @????THE PENETRATOR???? Kai uto @Not Me @katelyn ???????? @BlueChampagne @Jaimin @Ethan @The Robba @Snowball Effect #patchy #patchyscoffee #patchys #coffee #cafe #hustle #auckland #nz #entrepreneur #newzealand #startup #inspiration #homeless #motivation
Emphasizing the demand for affordability, Patchy expresses confidence in his startup’s prospects, envisioning future expansion to other cities like Pōneke/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch. To supplement income, he plans to incorporate digital screens on the trolleys for local business advertisements.
Furthermore, Patchy has initiated trademark procedures for his company’s logo and name and is engaging with potential investors to raise equity. With approximately $10,000 from Givealittle already utilized as a down payment for the rental property, Patchy appreciates the additional support from the landlord, who has granted a month’s rent-free period.
@patchyscoffee ????☕️ In this update about Patchy’s Coffee from Auckland New Zealand, Patchy is finally able to get off the Street and stop being Homeless! This video shows Patchy’s final night sleeping in a carpark in the Auckland CBD. @Lina @34glam @????THE PENETRATOR???? Kai uto @Not Me @katelyn ???????? @Nel Amore ???????? @BlueChampagne @Ethan @Brian ???????? ???????? @el.jaanie #patchy #patchyscoffee #patchys #coffee #cafe #hustle #auckland #nz #entrepreneur #newzealand #startup #homeless #inspiration #motivation #rags2riches
Patchy’s journey from adversity to entrepreneurship reflects a transformative experience. Following personal challenges, including a divorce and the loss of his belongings, he found resilience in creating opportunities. Though nerves accompany the prospect of launching his own business, Patchy is buoyed by his progress and newfound mindset.
SOURCE: NEWSHUB