Vinny says, “We escape the city to find peace amongst the wild.”

Vincent Laycock is a Durban based entrepreneur, who has had a long-seated passion to own a coffee business. This passion led to the opening of Exploring Coffee, a mobile coffee shop brand that has been grown around servicing outdoor sporting events, and especially the KZN trail running fraternity.

Building on Laycock’s interest in an active lifestyle, the Exploring Coffee mobile coffee shop tuk tuk is now operating in Lilian Ngoyi Road, Morningside at the same premises as Durban Runner owned by Zane Ebrahim and Justin Hand.

Currently a permanent coffee shop is being developed at this relaxed and convenient venue. In addition, Laycock’s second mobile coffee shop tuk tuk is based at Umhlanga Rocks Super Spar. However, his growth has not stopped there, and he intends to open an Exploring Coffee outlet at another Spar later in the year.

Furthermore, Exploring Coffee, staying true to their brand identity, still operates at various sporting events in and around the KZN region.

Laycock says that the growth of his business has been a huge learning curve. “Being a small business owner entails that I have had to be an accountant â€" making sure that financials are in order, a marketer, an event manager, as well as manage and train my staff. You can have the best coffee beans and equipment but unless you have a skilled barista these mean nothing. This has meant many late nights and early mornings, but I now enjoy my lifestyle more than ever.”

Many of the baristas employed at Exploring Coffee’s various outlets come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through a strong goal to assist in social responsibility initiatives, Laycock has been offering barista training to previously disadvantaged people. His goal is to employ these trainees at his outlets as well as afford them the opportunity to eventually owner-manage their own coffee businesses. He says, “I am delighted when I see how happy my guys are when they are now able to provide for their families and kids.” However, this initiative has not been without challenges and he is currently developing a business model which will ensure better commitment and buy-in from the trainees.

Laycock believes that small businesses are critical in providing real employment to people and that it is important to identify and support such enterprises. In line with this belief, he is a proud KwaZulu-Natal supporter and works with local suppliers for sourcing his coffee beans and other requirements.

The pursuit of an active lifestyle continues to shape Laycock’s business ethos and products. Apart from an excellent range of coffee, he (together with assistance from his girlfriend) has developed and introduced a unique range of smoothie bowls, power shots and juices, which are in high demand. These forms of nutrition provide alternative and healthy means of refuelling, especially after sporting activities. Many of the products are vegan, dairy free, sugar free and protein based.

Laycock says that the vegan lifestyle is becoming more prominent and that food outlets need to cater for this growing market.

In line with healthy living, Exploring Coffee prides itself on being eco-friendly and focuses on sustainability. Biodegradable cups and straws are utilised and Laycock intend to use glassware as much as possible in the future. He says, ‘Durban is behind other cities when it comes to going green.”

Laycock also says that Durban has many hidden gems â€" especially regarding sport amenities â€" that people need to get to know and utilise. Together with Durban Runner, Exploring Coffee intends to become an information hub for sports people.

In line with the goal of an active lifestyle, Durban Runner and Exploring Coffee host 10km and 8km run routes each Wednesday mornings starting at 5am sharp…Laycock concludes, “These runs are open to all, come down and join us for the sunrise and a cup of coffee for an early and fresh start to your day.”

vinny@exploringcoffee.co.za
http://exploringcoffee.co.za/