We were lucky to catch up with Johanthan Tran recently and have shared our conversation below.
Johanthan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose by reflecting on the season of my life when I was in the most need. Growing up in an underserved environment, I experienced a profound sense of “lack”—lack of parental involvement, home stability, encouragement, and basic provisions. During my adolescence, I navigated life on my own, facing hardship, discomfort, and instability. In those moments, I often thought, No one should have to go through this.
That realization became my driving force. I discovered my purpose in being the support I once needed—filling the gaps for those who are walking a path I have already traveled. My experiences have shaped my commitment to providing mentorship, stability, and opportunity to young people who deserve a future filled with hope and possibility.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Coffee TAB, we’re more than just a coffee shop—we’re a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and training underserved young people through the art of coffee. We provide hands-on barista apprenticeships that equip our students with tangible job skills, mentorship, and the confidence to step into the workforce. What’s most exciting about what we do is seeing our apprentices grow, not just as baristas but as individuals, gaining the skills and support they need to create a more stable future for themselves.
As an Asian American who grew up in a low-income environment with little parental involvement, I know firsthand the challenges many of our students face. I made the best of what I had and, through education, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the value of a hard-earned dollar, I built an honest life for myself. I earned a degree in theology from Azusa Pacific University, but no matter what chapter of life I was in, I always found myself in a coffee shop—it was my safe space. From studying as a teenager to working as a barista in corporate and specialty shops, coffee has always been at the heart of my journey. During my senior year, I interned at a church that launched a nonprofit coffee shop, and that experience ignited my passion for community development and discipleship.
This passion is what led me to start Coffee TAB. I want to provide a safe, productive space for students who lived a similar lifestyle—those who are often “less likely to transition successfully into adulthood.” Success can mean academic achievement, job readiness, financial independence, or simply becoming a positive member of society. At Coffee TAB, our goal is to give students the space, support, and skills they need to thrive.
Right now, we’re in an exciting transition! After nine months of operating in a small space, we’re expanding into a full-size café. This move will allow us to increase our apprenticeship program capacity, introduce a warm food menu, and create a welcoming community space in a previously underutilized part of the city. Our last day of service at our current Third Avenue location is March 23rd, and we’ll be reopening across the street in the coming months.
We’re grateful for the community that has supported us every step of the way and can’t wait to continue growing and making an impact. Stay tuned for updates, and come grab a coffee with us soon!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back at the start of this journey, here are three qualities or skills I wish someone had told me to develop:
Words Matter – I’ve learned that how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. You may have a great vision and an honest mission, but if you can’t articulate it in a way that resonates with others, you miss out on opportunities for connection and collaboration. Being intentional about communication—whether in conversations, pitches, or storytelling—makes all the difference in bringing people along for the journey.
Don’t Lose Sleep – I used to stress over the never-ending list of “to-dos,” constantly feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. The reality is, the list will never get shorter, and there are only so many hours in a day. Prioritizing rest and self-care isn’t laziness—it’s what allows you to show up as your best self. Running on empty helps no one.
Have Fun! – There’s a lot of business, stress, and tedious tasks that come with starting and running a nonprofit. But this has always been my dream, and I’ve found the work is much more enjoyable when I approach it with joy instead of letting it feel like a burden. Staying connected to why I’m doing this helps me embrace the process, even on the hard days.
For anyone just starting their own journey—communicate well, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
At Coffee TAB, our mission is to encourage others to pursue a higher quality of life through a higher quality cup of coffee. We do this by working with underserved young people, providing barista job training, and equipping them with the skills they need to build a stable future.
The individuals we work with often face significant challenges, including homelessness, abandonment, or other turbulent life circumstances. What we seek in an apprentice is not perfection, but a willingness to learn and grow. Our ideal candidates recognize that, with the right support and skills, they have the power to improve their own lives—whether that means securing stable housing, building better habits, or achieving financial independence.
At Coffee TAB, we aren’t just teaching the craft of coffee; we’re creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, showing our apprentices that they are capable of achieving more than their circumstances might suggest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coffeetab.cafe/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeetab_seattle/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=coffee+tab&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1041US1042&oq=coffee+tab+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIQCAEQLhivARjHARiABBiOBTIGCAIQRRg7MgwIAxAAGAoYsQMYgAQyCQgEEAAYChiABDIMCAUQABgKGLEDGIAEMgYIBhBFGD0yBggHEEUYPdIBCDMzNzNqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x549015c28736b797:0x294909114d275222,1,,,,
Image Credits
Peterson Media Co.
Young and Wise Media Co.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
