Start from Zero
Liz, Lao Ka Wai
Regarding a leisure space, people can enjoy their leisure times in a number of ways. Some people may want to go shopping, some may want to listen to music, and some may go clubbing. Yet, enjoying a cup of coffee in a tourist region can actually be another good choice.
Thronged with tourists near the Ruins of St.Paul’s, an ordinary cafe named “Zero Workshop” can be found among huge crowds of people and souvenir shops. An eye-catching red light box with the name “Zero” is hanged by a building. Take the stairs and a strong smell of coffee will lead you to the second floor. When you step into the cafe, relaxed music fills the air and the exquisite decorations on the wall builds up a tranquil atmosphere.
Cafe “Zero”, is named after its owner, who worked as an assistant of a construction company and used to be an instructor of some dessert workshops before running this cafe. Drinking coffee everyday becomes her habit and it is always an extra bonus for her to meet coffee lovers, too. She may look like an unconventional waitress, but Zero’s passion towards coffee is what really sets her apart.
Start of Zero
“It was an old, antiquated apartment before,” Zero said. “But now it’s a comfortable and relaxing little private space. I designed most of it by myself.”
“Zero” starts the business by chance as her friend wanted to rent out an apartment for some distinguishing features, and she knew another friend selling superior coffee beans at that time. The idea of opening a cafe proposed by her friend attracted her to accomplish her little dream in 2010.
Special Open Hours
The style of “Zero Workshop” is particularly different from other coffee shops in Macao. Most of the coffee shops are usually open during peak hours like 2-10 pm, but very few customers come during day time regarding the location of her cafe. Furthermore, people who work at office may want to enjoy a coffee in a relaxing mood after work instead of drinking it within their short lunch break. This is why the cafe is only open from 6 pm till 1 am during weekdays.
“I’m always looking for new things,” one of the customers Tam said. “I am used to eating out three to four times a week. This is a quiet place that allows me to have my own private space, for instance reading a book.”
Thier Own Spaces
Zero realized it is not attractive enough to just provide a space for people to enjoy coffee, so workshops of desserts are held from time to time. “Zero Workshop” is also a platform for the enthusiasts of coffee and desserts to exchange their knowledge and experience.
“This is a place for visitors like us to take a rest after crazy shopping, and enjoy the show of the audiovisual mapping at the Ruins of St. Paul’s,” said Lee, a Hong Kong tourist. “The view from here enables us to watch the show clearly and the most important thing is that we’re not among the crowds of people downstairs.”
Satisfaction Becomes Encouragement
Zero felt fatigued when she had put lots of efforts in regenerating an old apartment with four white walls into a unique coffee corner.
However, the satisfaction and admiration from the customers are the main reasons to keep her going. “It is not easy to maintain this kind of cafe and I find it tough, but I have the determination to keep on, because I like it and I can get satisfaction from it,” Zero said.