Episode 16 - Adding Value to the Community with Yarnsy's Cafe, Tarrawanna (Wollongong)

Self Starter

Yarnsy's Cafe in Tarrawanna opened its doors in January 2017. Since launch the cafe has seen considerable success in a booming Illawarra/Wollongong area. Jariss Shead and co-owner Thomas Bailey have gradually evolved the business into a multi-functional space to cater for not only the local coffee and cafe crowd but also local artists and musicians to celebrate and nurture local talent.

The popularity of the cafe has helped compliment and arguably added value the area. With the recent opening of a local beer brewer next door, Yarnsy's is working collaboratively not only with them but the other businesses in the area to ensure that not only are they benefiting but the customers also get a value added experience.

I sat down with Jariss in the spacious and chilled open court area at the cafe to talk about the concept, where the inspiration and idea came from, his personal inexperience in running a business and what he did to make it all happen.

What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;

1. Find the right people – Jariss had no experience running a cafe let alone a business and he didn't pretend otherwise. Jariss sought out friends who had experience to not only get insight and advice but ultimately build a partnership with his friend Tom who had many years of working/managing in cafes. Together and with advice from other friends running successful businesses in the area, they were both able to follow through on an idea and make it a reality.

2. Find confidence in what you are creating – At times Jariss certainly felt the heat of the constant challenges of creating/launching a business. What kept him going through those times was focusing on what he had control over rather than external factors. Jariss is a firm believer of enthusiasm combined with a great product or service can lead to success which helped motivate him through the tougher times.

3. It's never personal –Jariss learnt a valuable lesson from a fellow friend and businesses owner that the external challenges are never personal. Bills, licenses, permits, fines, notices and the mountains of paperwork are merely coming from others who are just trying to do their job. Jariss made sure that he didn't get swept up in the emotional aspect of being challenged by various providers and local council and took the approach of just 'getting it done'.

4. Excite your customers – In a world of Instagram and instantaneous social media updates, Jariss ensures that their food is served in a way that people will want to take a photo of it. By encouraging and embracing the social media world, especially when it comes to foodies, Jariss is letting the food and his happy customers do the talking by posting online and tagging the cafe.

Follow Yarnsy's Cafe via Facebook | Instagram |

Tarrawanna (Wollongong) – 2/81 Meadow St, Tarrawanna NSW 2518