Kyal Fairbairn is the creative mind behind Kyal’s Coffee Kart – a mobile, City of Wanneroo-registered coffee cart available for event hire throughout the year. Kyal is regularly posted outside primary schools and churches, quickly becoming a staple at local community events. His infectious warmth and passion for good customer service, as well as his excellent coffee, make a long-lasting impression on his customers. His business mission is to serve ‘great coffee, delivered to our community, with a difference.’
Kyal serving coffee from his Kart
Kyal first engaged with Valued Lives Microenterprise Project in early 2020, and with the support of his Advisor, began business planning. After almost a year of hard work researching and equipping his Kart, it was finally registered and Kyal was ready to sell to the community!
We sat down with Kyal to chat about his Microenterprise journey so far, his business goals and what he looks for in a prospective Coffee Kart employee.
Hi Kyal! Can you tell us about your business?
Kyal: I run a Microenterprise. I’ve always wanted to run my own business. My business involves interacting with customers, making them happy and making them the best coffee ever. I’m available to hire for events. I’m looking for more opportunities for next year in the City of Wanneroo!
What made you want to start a business? What’s your favourite thing about owning a business?
Kyal: I wanted to start a business because I wanted to save some money! I’d like to get my own car. I want to expand and start offering flavourings for my coffee too. Sometimes, I need to send customers away because I can’t sell any food, so I’d like to be able to sell food too.
A few of my old workplaces wouldn’t let me make coffees even though I had all the qualifications. I found that my old workplaces would put me on the spot and change systems with no notice. Some of my managers weren’t always respectful.
I like being my own boss and manager. I like to work when I want and for who I want. The best part is that I can choose who I want to work with me!
Speaking of working with you, who else supports you with your business?
Kyal: My friends and family are always there for me. My Mum, Dad and sister give me useful business ideas and advice about upcoming events. The Valued Lives team and the team at DDWA help me with that too.
My support workers are Lily, Tony and David.
Lily supports me with sending emails, ordering milk and writing out invoices, as well as cooking and shopping. Tony helps me by driving the car to coffee events and helping me at events when I need it. David supports me to attend the Boys’ Brigade and the Bread Ministry.
I’m looking for employees at the moment. I look for employees who are respectful, turn up on time and wear my uniform with pride!
Kyal and Tony working at Kyal’s Kart
Where can people purchase your barista-made beverages from?
Kyal: I’m at Lake Gwelup Church on Tuesday mornings and work privately at local schools. If there’s a public event on, I’ll post it on my Facebook page the day before the event. You can follow me there to find out where I’ll be next.
What’s your bestselling drink?
Kyal: My best-selling product is a dirty chai. Now that we’re in summer, I also sell a lot of iced coffees and iced chocolates.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Kyal: I enjoy going to the gym with my PT, swimming, hanging out with friends and seeing family – especially visiting my grandma.
What are some goals you have for the future?
Kyal: To go on another holiday – I’d love to go to Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as visit my family and friends in Melbourne and Queensland.
I’d also like it if my business was my only job so I could focus on it more. I plan on settling down and having a family one day too.
What is something you wish people understood about disability and business ownership?
People with disabilities can run their own businesses. We’ve proven that!
You can find Kyal on Facebook here to find out where he’ll be next, or to enquire about booking him for one of your very own events!
