Meet Jess: the Café Cà Phê Creative Behind Torani's 100-Year Story Through Art

“I’ll open my own coffee shop, not just for Asian Americans but for those who feel othered”, says Jackie Nguyen, founder of Café Cà Phê, Kansas City’s first Vietnamese coffee shop. Situated in a predominantly white city and state, Jackie’s cafe aims to bring light to and create a safe space for the celebration of Asian American identity in the Midwest. Resting on pillars of authenticity, empathy, artistry and community, Café Cà Phê has become akin to a family for its team members and customers. With culturally nostalgic menu items like a Mango Sticky Rice Coffee and Chè Ba Màu, a Vietnamese dessert turned latte, the shop is changing how community is built through the power of coffee. 

“Working here has allowed me to feel completely embraced and confident in my identity as an Asian American”, reflects Jess Nguyen, Co-Art Director and Lead Designer at Café Cà Phê. Since starting full time as a designer at the cafe, Jess feels she has created deep connections and made a lasting impact on the community that surrounds her, plus “having access to exceptional coffee is not the worst perk”, she jokes. From her work on AAPIconic, Kansas City’s AANHPI Festival to a collaboration with Kansas City Current, the pro women’s soccer team, Jess is harnessing art and design to make a more vibrant and empowered world. In her free time, you might find her cherishing her loved ones through shared meals or embarking on TV show marathons. 

From left, Jess and Jackie, shot by Xay Thiraj

Since 2023, Torani has had the privilege of partnering with Café Cà Phê through its Cafe Opportunity Fund, a program that provides a range of support for up and coming coffee shops that are creating opportunity within their communities. The coffee shop has uplifted Torani in return, providing guidance and partnership in the development of Torani’s Dragon Fruit Syrup. Infused with authenticity and collaboration, Dragon Fruit was made to fit seamlessly into Café Cà Phê’s menu while expanding Torani’s internationally-inspired flavor portfolio.

Now, Torani approaches its 100 year anniversary as a Bay Area flavor company, and will release a limited-edition celebratory flavor, meant to honor the people and partners who have been pivotal in its success. The Flavor of the Century will aim to capture timelessness, innovation and global trend insights, while making an impact with 100% donated profits. It is set to release on November 13th. 

Jess has played a central role in bringing the story of the launch to life, namely creating the hand drawn flavor reveal puzzle that depicts Torani’s history and journey through the past century. Sparkly purple wisps navigate viewers through Torani’s eras, from its start in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco using original recipes from Lucca, Italy, to present day where consumers experiment with flavorful beverages in their own homes. Intricate details throughout the puzzle highlight the cafes, partners and people who made it all happen. “My main goal with the illustration was to tell the inspiring story of the dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to build the business to where it is today”, Jess remarks. 

Jess, shot by Travis Young

Torani is grateful to continue its valued partnership with Café Cà Phê as it embarks on a centennial year and expresses immense gratitude to Jess for her remarkable design on the puzzle, which beautifully captures the history of Torani, its partners, and the bright future ahead. 

Check out Jess’ work at https://jessbnguyen.com/ and Café Cà Phê’s story at https://www.cafecaphe.com/.