Greetings! Lời Chào!

 Founders

Eliza Lê, Emily Nguyễn & Lily Lê

 We are a local Portland, Oregon family who finds excitement in brewing up yummy concoctions and sharing with others.  

With the love and support of our family & friends we are able to conquer this journey 

Emily here! At 15, I landed my first job as a barista at a family friend's coffee shop and bakery. After just a few shifts, my mom took me to open my first checking account. The banker asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I confidently said, "a barista." My mom quickly jumped in, saying, "You mean you want to open your own coffee shop, right?" And I nodded, realizing that dream for the first time.

From that moment, something sparked inside me. I knew I wanted to dive deeper into the world of coffee, so I sought out barista jobs to learn everything I could, eventually working at places like Stumptown, Dutch Bros, and Black Rock. I fell in love with the rhythm of being behind the counter—the rush of positive energy, the smiles of regulars, and the connections that turned strangers into friends. Every interaction filled my heart, and I knew this was more than just a job; it was a passion that brought me true joy. 

Fast forward a few years, I’m now a mom to a one-year-old, navigating life two years post-pandemic. I missed being a barista and felt a deep urge to return, but I also knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and create something meaningful for my son. So, I brainstormed with my mom and aunt, and they agreed—we should start our own coffee venture! 

The moment we decided to go for it, we went from 0 to 100—figuring out our business name, designing a logo, and creating a menu all within a week. We chose to debut at the Vietnamese New Year celebration in Oregon’s Vietnamese community. The support was incredible, and we knew we wanted to do more. 

Initially, we had no plans for a brick-and-mortar shop. We just wanted to create something as a family, so we started popping up at farmers markets, the Legendary Night Market, and events like White Lotus. It was our passion project. Through these events, we discovered our "why." It was all about our community—being surrounded by our people, connecting with our roots, and seeing familiar faces return time and time again.

We realized Portland was missing a space like this—a place where people don’t just come for the coffee but for the experience, the connection. Vietnamese coffee isn't just about the strong energy boost; it’s a place for people of all ages to gather, whether it’s a family with three or four generations or a group of friends. 

Our vision is to create a "third space," where everyone feels they belong—a welcoming environment that fosters connection and community. At Beans to Phin, we’re proud to deliver quality coffee served the traditional way, honoring our Vietnamese heritage while sharing the rich flavors of Southeast Asia. It’s about keeping our culture alive for generations to come, one cup at a time.