LITTLE LUNCH Founder
Chris McColl + Vy Nguyen
On Mar 4, 2022
What’s the story behind your company?
The short and sweet version is a group of partners that share a longing for simpler times. Little lunch is an Aussie term for "recess", so I encourage guests to approach us as such - a break from the weight and complexities of daily life in which you can enjoy some snacks and coffee.
How do YOU take a moment and practice self care?
Ironically, I'm not quite good at self care despite providing that for people almost daily! I'm definitely taking steps, though. With how busy I've been since Little Lunch's opening, I've really come to enjoy my family time at home. Hanging with my girlfriend and cats fills up my cup the most.
How do you develop talent and help people grow to be their best selves?
I think it all starts with understanding where people are at and meeting them there. Everybody works differently, has different goals, values, etc. The more time you spend to see and hear an individual, the better you can inspire and nurture them to be their best selves.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
It's a 50/50 combo of my 4:30am alarm and my cats! I like to get up and get things done before the rest of the world is functioning. In a more figurative sense, I live to serve - so waking up and preparing myself to caffeinate my community is a big motivating factor.
What inspired you to start/join LITTLE LUNCH company?
I was inspired by the opportunity to build it from the ground up! Being the operator and coffee warlock, I was excited to put together a concept that would introduce specialty coffee in a way that the majority of the neighborhood hadn't widely experienced before. Also, have you seen our view of the beach?!
What's your morning routine?
I generally like to enjoy a warm beverage (green tea) in the morning while I dive into high priorities. I tend to get distracted (often) by wrangling my cats so they don't wake my girlfriend.
What's your morning latte order?
Just coffee by itself, please! When I have more casual time to enjoy coffee/tea on days-off, I love to enjoy other baristas' creations.
What do you love most about living or working in Venice?
I'm so incredibly grateful to live in the community I serve. In my ~9 years of experience in coffee, this is the first time I've been able to do that. It's rewarding being able to see my neighbors in the shop, run into regulars at the grocery store, or cross paths at local happenings. Also, the west-side beach is growing on me...
What was your inspiration behind the Self Love Latte?
Self care! I first looked to curate the benefits of the drink that would help encourage people to take a moment - and lavender is the big star here. Butterfly pea powder and blue spirulina are packed with antioxidants as well as a plethora of other benefits. Combining these with matcha (or espresso!), raw almond mylk, and wildflower honey immediately felt like a concoction of (healthy) self love. And how could you not take a moment for yourself with the calming, blue hue of the mylk?
What’s the story behind your company?
In 2018, Aaron and I met and quickly realized that we shared the same outlook on life. Wanting to share our sunny experiences with others, we founded Sunshine Brands, which grew into Hello Goldie, Paradise Club and now, Little Lunch. Our products, spaces and activations reflect the warmth of community and the passion for creating connection through memorable moments.
How do YOU take a moment and practice self care?
I practice self care by taking the time to slow down. Enjoying a cup of Hello Goldie tea steeped in Goodmylk. Lighting a candle and taking the time to journal. Aaron enjoys jam sessions in his home studio and always emerges a new person. Taking time to create or play music is definitely his way of taking care of himself.
How do you develop talent and help people grow to be their best selves?
This is one of Aaron's strengths!
Being intentional in your actions and present for the people that you care about. Creating a safe space while being supportive and encouraging others to be confident in their true selves. There are no dumb questions. Patience is everything. And it is okay to not know the answer. When you practice these things yourself, you can't help but encourage the people that surround you to do the same.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The anticipation of the warm sun on my skin and a hot coffee or tea in my tummy with a yummy chocolate donut from Little Lunch.
What inspired you to start/join LITTLE LUNCH company?
Amanda and Jerrod have been friends for years. We’d have so much fun soaking in the sun together during Miami Swim Week when Amanda used to model for my swim line, Lolli Swim. During covid, we missed the connection and community we had been accustomed to. When Jerrod called and shared his idea of an Aussie coffee shop, Aaron couldn’t have been excited!
What's your morning routine?
Roll out of bedBrush my hair & teeth
Morning skincare routine
Hello Goldie Matcha or tea
Journal what and who I’m grateful for
Recap my To Do List and GO!
What's your morning latte order?
Iced Matcha Latte with Goodmylk :) or Hot Goodmylk Latte
Iced Matcha Latte with Goodmylk :) or Hot Goodmylk Latte
What do you love most about living or working in Venice?
I love being able to walk to Little Lunch. Come in for a latte or snacky and visit with our great team. People watching and getting to know our neighbors has been really nice. It makes me smile seeing the community we’ve helped build.