The Japanese secret to a joyful life is the concept of ikigai; a harmony, the intersection, between doing what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and that which you can be paid for. And so it was that when barista Aryan Sheth-Patel and his serial entrepreneur father, Chirag Patel, realised their shared love of coffee and passion for social justice had the potential to change lives – to “make a meaningful difference in the world” – while helping to build real businesses, Rebels N Misfits was born.
A for-purpose, sustainable, and ethical franchise that fosters talented baristas into bringing their own café dreams to life, Rebels N Misfits is much more than a café (or rather, five cafés and counting!). The enterprise also provides corporate catering and barista training programs.
“We founded Rebels N Misfits with a clear mission in mind; to empower those who have historically been overlooked by mainstream employers or for whom mainstream employment pathways are either unavailable or unsuitable; individuals like migrants, refugees, and other individuals who are so often deprived of the opportunities many of us take for granted,” explained Aryan.
“By providing barista training and a pathway to café ownership, we’re not just building a business; we’re creating a powerful platform from which to empower these individuals to achieve economic independence and thrive as entrepreneurs. Rebels N Misfits is about transforming lives and communities, one café at a time.”
Behind every great business is a great community
Community is one of the cornerstones of building a successful business. It's the support network that enables collaboration, innovation, and growth. At Rebels N Misfits, that sense of community extends beyond coffee machines; it's about creating authentic connections, growing a network, providing support, and of course, sharing and celebrating successes.
Chirag Patel: “Our local community has been the backbone of Rebels N Misfits since day one. From the very beginning, we have received overwhelming support, from locals spreading the word about our café and participating in our community events, to sharing their own homegrown coffee recipes with us!
“We’ve also partnered and collaborated with local artists and suppliers, which has not only helped us create a unique, community-driven space but also strengthened our ties with those around us. The trust and enthusiasm from our neighbours have been invaluable, and it’s their support that motivates us to continue empowering others in the community.”
Tough lessons learned; obstacles overcome
It’s a powerful and uplifting story, especially as the duo reflected on their journey to date, having had to navigate and overcome many obstacles, including the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the business. “Almost overnight, our cafés in the Sydney CBD saw sales drop by 100% as the city went into lockdown and office workers stayed home,” Chirag explained.
“It was an incredibly tough period, both financially and emotionally, but it taught us invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of never giving up. This experience not only strengthened our resolve but also reinforced the belief that with determination and creativity, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.”
Are there any digital platforms or apps you can’t live without?
Talking tech, Aryan said “my favourite platforms to use would be ChatGPT and [graphic design platform and Australian global startup success story] Canva. Over the past few months, I have used ChatGPT more regularly, whether it’s to help me figure out complex Excel calculations or to generate amazing images based on a few prompts.”
“Canva has also become a valuable tool for the business. I use it to create our menus, loyalty cards, and create and edit website photos, promotions, and flyers. It has made my life so much easier and our business more productive because it enables us to generate new, high-quality designs at an affordable cost!”
Effective leadership means creating the right culture
Being a founder or business owner is demanding, so it’s important that leaders prioritise their own self-care to maintain a balanced lifestyle, which also serves to promote a culture of wellbeing within the business.
“After a long day, I prioritise being physically active, whether it is going to the gym, playing tennis, squash, swimming, or going for a run, it helps make me feel relaxed and refreshed ready to take on the next day!” Aryan said.
“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to prioritise building a strong team and creating a positive, encouraging culture,” Chirag continued. “Whether in life or business, success comes from surrounding yourself with people who are motivated and aligned with your mission. So, it’s essential to treat everyone with respect, valuing their contributions and fostering an environment where they feel supported and empowered.
“When you invest in your team and create a culture of trust and encouragement, you set the foundation for long-term success and a thriving, collaborative workplace.”
Ikigai in motion.
Connect with Rebels N Misfits online:
Website: rebelsnmisfits.com.au
Email: info@rebelsnmisfits.com.au
Phone: 0478 508 983
Instagram: @rebels.n.misfits
Facebook: facebook.com/rebelsnmisfits.au
Connect with Chirag on LinkedIn
Connect with Aryan on LinkedIn
Or visit them ‘irl’ at any of their five locations across Sydney!
