Today we’d like to introduce you to Johan Podlewski.
Hi Johan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our journey began with a shared passion for intentional, modest beverages and the community they can foster. Before Wesley Andrews was even an idea, we spent a lot of time exploring the world of tea at places like Verdant Tea. That sparked our love for crafting drinks that are thoughtful, balanced, and rooted in tradition. From there, coffee naturally became part of the conversation, and we started experimenting—learning about sourcing, roasting, and brewing methods that honor the raw ingredients.
We knew from the start that we wanted to create a space where the focus wasn’t just on great drinks, but on the conversations and connections those drinks could inspire. There’s something almost alchemical about making a consumable with intention, hoping that people experience it with the same thoughtfulness and share it with others.
When it came to roasting, we decided early on that we didn’t want to shape coffee to fit our personal tastes. Instead, our philosophy is to highlight each coffee’s natural expression—roasting it in a way that brings out its unique character rather than forcing it into a predefined flavor profile. It’s about respecting the coffee itself and the story behind it.
Our café is the embodiment of that philosophy. It’s a place where we share our journey with the community—through the drinks we serve, the way we source our coffee, and the space we’ve created to encourage genuine conversation. We’re not just making drinks; we’re creating moments for people to slow down, connect, and share a piece of their day with us and with each other.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it! Opening a café at 20 was a bold move, and looking back, it feels almost ridiculous. We jumped into everything headfirst, fueled by passion and excitement, but we quickly realized how much we still had to learn.
There were plenty of little mistakes along the way—like not getting a blade sign, which we now know is crucial for visibility. But honestly, that’s just one example out of many. Managing a team for the first time was a huge challenge. We had to learn how to lead effectively, keep morale high, and make sure everyone was on the same page.
Then, of course, COVID hit, and like so many other small businesses, we had to pivot fast. We ended up shutting down for months, which was tough. During that time, we started doing local deliveries to stay connected with our community and keep things moving. It wasn’t easy, but it was important to us to keep serving our customers in any way we could.
Even now, we’re facing new challenges. Our block has been under construction for the entire year, which has definitely impacted foot traffic and visibility. It’s been frustrating at times, but we’ve learned to adapt and keep pushing forward.
It was truly a trial by fire. But every challenge pushed us to grow, and those early lessons shaped who we are today. We wouldn’t change it for the world because it taught us resilience and how to adapt. And in the end, all those bumps along the way just made us more committed to our vision and our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our specialties are our single-origin coffee offerings, and we take great pride in our direct-trade coffees. One that stands out is our coffee from Yunnan, China—a region typically known for tea rather than coffee.
We source our Yunnan coffee through TORCH Coffee, an organization doing incredible work with coffee farms in China. They focus on improving quality and sustainability while helping farmers achieve a better quality of life. It’s been inspiring to work with a group so committed to both the craft and the people behind it.
Tea is also a personal passion of mine, and it’s something I take very seriously. I’ve traveled to China myself to develop relationships directly with tea farmers and learn about their processes firsthand. Building that connection has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my respect for the craft. I currently source our tea from two farms in China and two farms in Japan, carefully selecting varieties that showcase the regions’ unique characteristics and traditions.
Our Matcha Thai Tea is probably our most popular drink at the café, and it’s a great example of how we blend tradition with creativity. The team is also constantly experimenting with new seasonal drinks, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while staying true to our commitment to quality.
What truly sets us apart is the community focus that drives everything we do. From the intentional way we roast our coffee to the creativity we put into every drink, it’s all about sharing something real and meaningful with our customers. We want people to know that when they come to Wesley Andrews, they’re not just getting a cup of coffee—they’re experiencing a piece of our story, our passion, and our commitment to fostering genuine human connections.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the strong sense of community. There’s something special about how people here genuinely support one another and come together, whether it’s through local businesses, neighborhood events, or just sharing a conversation over coffee. It feels like everyone belongs, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing.
That sense of belonging, I think, comes from the fact that we all endure the cold together. The winters here can be pretty brutal, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hate the cold sometimes. But there’s something unifying about it too. It’s almost like a badge of honor—we all survive the harsh weather together, and that shared experience brings us closer.
So, while the cold can be tough, it’s also part of what makes the community so tight-knit. It’s one of those things you learn to appreciate, even if you don’t exactly love it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wesleyandrews.cc
- Instagram: @wesleyandews.cc
- Other: https://discord.gg/E63ue4hGCh
