These M’sian friends gave up stable corporate incomes to sell coffee by the lake

Leaving the security of a nine-to-five job to start your own business from scratch is no small feat. 

But when you’ve got someone by your side cheering you on and believing in your dream just as much as you do, it changes everything. That’s exactly what these founders experienced. 

With their partners in their corner—pushing, encouraging, and sometimes just helping to keep the coffee coming—they found the confidence to dive into their own business venture. 

That confidence gave rise to Kem Kopi, a camping-inspired outdoor coffee haven in Puncak Alam.

Childhood friends, big dreams

For Nik Aizu and Wan Harith, the journey to Kem Kopi began with a friendship rooted in shared experiences. Both were raised by single mothers who instilled in them a strong work ethic and the value of resilience. 

“We grew up like family—brothers, really,” said Nik, the visionary behind Kem Kopi’s brand and concept. “We always talked about having our own business, about escaping the nine-to-five life.”

The two friends shared dreams of financial freedom and self-reliance, but it was their love for the outdoors that eventually inspired the concept of Kem Kopi. 

After years of dreaming, Kem Kopi was founded on August 31, 2022, a day that marked not just Malaysia’s Independence Day but also the duo’s independence from the corporate world. 

Taking the leap

Nik and Harith’s decision to leave their corporate jobs was far from easy. Nik, previously a Business Development Manager in IT, recalled the pressures of his job, especially as he anticipated the arrival of his baby girl. 

“I was constantly stressed, with my boss texting me at 3AM,” Nik recalled. “I needed to reclaim my time. My wife, Qaqa, encouraged me, saying she believed in my potential.”

Harith, too, was ready for change, leaving his position at Malaysia Airlines. “I trusted Nik’s vision and his decision-making,” Harith explained. 

“Everything in life has its risks, but it’s how you manage those risks that counts. My wife, Afiqah, motivated me to trust in Allah and reminded me that rezeki (sustenance) is everywhere.”

Despite the risks, they pooled their savings and went all-in, embracing the idea that their skills and experience would guide them if they needed a backup plan. 

Nik and Harith were prepared to return to the workforce if necessary, but they were determined to give Kem Kopi their all first.

Starting small

Positioned next to a tranquil lake, Kem Kopi’s location reflects Nik and Harith’s outdoor interests, from hiking to fishing. 

They wanted Kem Kopi to offer an experience beyond just coffee—a nature-centric retreat where customers could unwind and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. 

“We started with two tables, a 10×10 canopy,” Nik recalled with a smile. “We used our personal camping gear to give the place a rugged, outdoorsy feel. Dream big, start small—that’s been our motto from the start.”

Without external funding or loans, Kem Kopi was entirely self-funded. They handled every detail themselves, from landscaping to carpentry. 

“We built our tables, chairs, and even our shop counter ourselves mixing cement and wiring by hand,” said Harith. “It was tough, but it made everything feel more personal.”

Of course, running an outdoor cafe came with its own set of unique challenges. Heavy rain and intense heat tested their perseverance. 

“Once, a storm blew our flysheet away, but our customers stepped in to help,” Nik shared, moved by the community’s kindness. 

The local Puncak Alam community became their earliest supporters, drawn to Kem Kopi’s unique setup and the founders’ genuine commitment.

Blending local flavour with speciality coffee

At Kem Kopi, the menu reflects Nik and Harith’s love for creativity. They offer both Arabica beans for third-wave coffee enthusiasts and local beans for an affordable, accessible option. 

“We wanted to cater to everyone, from students to coffee connoisseurs,” said Nik. 

“And with drinks like Kopi Peanut Butter, we let our curiosity lead the way, experimenting with fun flavours that represent our personal tastes.”

The duo has developed over 20 coffee flavours, each inspired by their explorations of Malaysia’s cafe scene. 

Their menu is part of their broader mission to educate customers about coffee culture, especially local beans. 

“A lot of people think good coffee has to be imported,” Nik said. “But we’re showing them that local beans have their own richness and flavour.”

Kem Kopi’s food menu reflects its camping-inspired atmosphere with easy-to-eat, comforting options like otak-otak and pepes. 

“We wanted a simple menu that resonated with the camping vibe,” Harith explained. 

Quality is paramount, and they source ingredients locally to support the community. “Working with local suppliers keeps our ingredients fresh and strengthens our ties to the area,” added Nik.

Embracing growth and gratitude

Looking back, Nik and Harith say they don’t regret a thing. 

Harith reflected, “Leaving my stable job was tough, but Nik and I have a shared vision, and we’re creating something meaningful.” 

For them, Kem Kopi is more than a business; it’s an embodiment of their personal values, their community spirit, and their desire for freedom.

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Don’t focus on what you can’t control. Take things one step at a time, and always stay grounded.”

The future holds exciting possibilities for Kem Kopi. Nik and Harith plan to expand their brand, bringing their camping-inspired coffee experience to more locations, but for now, they’re content with the journey they’re on. 

“Kem Kopi is a marathon, not a sprint,” they said. “We’re building something lasting, something that reflects who we are and what we value.”

Though they started with just two tables, their dreams for Kem Kopi are as boundless as the night sky under which they often camp.

Featured Image Credit: Kem Kopi