Savoring Stories, One Sip at a Time - Yvonne Lieu @lastchaptercafe

Meet Yvonne Lieu, the founder of Last Chapter Cafe, where handcrafted drinks and curated books come together to create a space for connection, comfort, and community. Inspired by her Vietnamese American upbringing and early exposure to the coffee shop world through her family, Yvonne built Last Chapter as a reflection of both her roots and her vision for something new.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a welcoming space where people can slow down, unplug, and be present. From culturally inspired drinks like the Hanoi Egg Drip to thoughtful experiences like Blind Date with a Book, Last Chapter Café invites guests to embrace curiosity, connection, and the joy of the unexpected.

Tell us about the product/service you are most proud of.

The product I’m most proud of is our Blind Date with a Book. I love it because it encourages people to not judge a book by its cover and to take a chance on something unexpected. There’s something special about leaning into uncertainty and trusting the experience. It turns reading into a little adventure and reminds people to stay open-minded, which feels really aligned with what we stand for as a brand.

What is an aspect of being an entrepreneur that forced you to learn something new?

One aspect of being an entrepreneur that really forced me to learn something new was financial management and decision-making under pressure. When it’s your business, every number matters, and you quickly realize you can’t avoid understanding margins, pricing, and cash flow. There are definitely challenges and setbacks, but they teach you resilience and how to adapt quickly.

If you could go back in time and tell your past self anything, what would it be?

If I could go back and tell my past self anything, it would be to start now and don’t be scared. You will never feel completely ready, and waiting for perfect timing only holds you

back. There will be people you will meet who will help guide you along the way, and there will be people who view your success as a threat to them, but all you can do is focus on yourself and leave the negativity behind.

How has your cultural identity influenced your journey so far, if at all? 

My cultural identity has played a big role in my journey. When my family first came over, they opened a coffee shop, so I grew up around that environment. Seeing their work ethic and how they built something from nothing really shaped how I approach business and community today.

You dropped a new menu for January with Asian-inspired options like Hanoi Egg Drip and Hue Salt Drip. Can you share the story behind these flavors and your approach to experimenting with new flavors? How much of your inspiration comes from your own tastes versus cultural traditions?

For our January menu, I wanted to highlight flavors that feel nostalgic and close to home. The Hanoi Egg Drip is inspired by traditional Vietnamese egg coffee, with its rich, creamy topping and bold base, while the Hue Salt Drip draws from Vietnamese salt coffee, where a touch of salt enhances the sweetness and depth. A lot of my inspiration comes from what I grew up drinking and flavors I personally love. At the same time, I’m intentional about honoring the cultural roots behind each drink. I want every menu item to feel meaningful, not just trendy.

Everyone loves a good book and a great cup of coffee. What made you decide to turn that combination into Last Chapter Cafe?

I realized that the South Bay doesn’t have this type of cafe concept. I'd always treat myself

to a nice cup of coffee or matcha and take myself on a solo date to the bookstore. I thought it would be an awesome idea to create a space of community where anyone can grab a coffee and a book and unplug.  

You’re an official partner and proudly serving, Nami Matcha. How did you approach choosing the right brand to partner with, and what drew you to Nami Matcha specifically?

Ashley Alexander is a small AAPI business owner who is deeply community driven, and I’ve always admired her work. When she launched her matcha business, I immediately fell in love with her product. What really drew me to Nami Matcha is what they stand for. They are intentional about being on the right side of history and promoting a mindful lifestyle filled with joy, which aligns so closely with my own values.

What is the last thing you were curious about? 

The last thing I was curious about was how I can build a better life for my son and for myself. I’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of environment, stability, and example I want to create for him. It’s made me more intentional about my decisions, especially

around growth, financial security, and long-term planning. I’ve also been reflecting on how I can contribute to making the world a better place for him to grow up in, whether that’s through building community, leading with kindness, or creating spaces that feel inclusive and supportive. I’m constantly learning and asking questions about how to improve not just professionally, but personally, so I can give him the best version of me while also leaving a positive impact around us.

What can the community help you with?

The community can help me by continuing to promote kindness and inclusivity in everything we do. I want our space to feel welcoming to everyone, and that only happens when people show up for each other with respect and warmth. They can also support by sharing their love for handcrafted drinks and books, bringing friends, and spreading the word. The more we uplift, learn, and educate each other, the stronger and more meaningful our community becomes.

Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!

This is by far the hardest question for me because I work with many amazing Asian-women-owned small businesses so here are a few that I admire: My mom, Nami Matcha, KAI Lagree Studio, 450 Bakehouse, Emerald Art Studio, Haus of LaRuce - Hair By Mel, Blue Pagoda, Lvsh Artistry, Embody Beauty Co., and Geminiiesthetics. These are just a few to name, they all inspire me to work hard and always to chase my dreams.

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At the heart of Last Chapter Cafe is more than just a great cup of coffee or a good book—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired. Yvonne’s journey is a reflection of resilience, intention, and the power of community, reminding us that even the smallest ideas can grow into something meaningful.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quiet moment alone or sharing the experience with friends, every visit is an opportunity to slow down, explore something new, and write your own next chapter. To connect or collaborate,

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