Finding My Path - A Founder's Reflections from Childhood to Entrepreneurship

An article by Xiaoxiang Yun

In recent years, I often find myself reflecting on the threads that connect my childhood interests, habits, and personality to the choices I’ve made as an adult. It’s fascinating how certain traits and behaviours that shaped me as a kid now influence the way I approach business, creativity, and life.

A Childhood of Curiosity and Quiet Exploration

Growing up, I was often content staying by myself, immersed in my own world. My grandparents’ house was like a treasure chest - drawers filled with forgotten trinkets, sacks of rice and flour hosting tiny ecosystems of moths and bugs. These were not just objects or insects to me; they were mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Observing how the little bugs moved or how grains shifted under my fingers felt like a mini adventure.

Even when I played with friends, it was never with a big group. A friend or two was enough - intimate, focused, and meaningful. I enjoyed the depth of those connections rather than the noise of larger gatherings.

And then there was my love for repetition and progress. I would do something over and over, not because I had to, but because I wanted to see how much better I could get. In high school, I ran at midnight, not because it was required, but because I loved the discipline. At university, skateboarding became my daily routine, a mix of fun and focus that mirrored how I approach challenges today.

From Play to Passion: Building Routines That Stick

As an adult, I see the same traits carrying over into my work and personal life. Starting businesses has been my way of staying curious and exploring uncharted territories - just like the drawers and rice sacks of my childhood.

Gym sessions, daily routines, and coding projects all reflect the part of me that enjoys steady, incremental progress. I’m not naturally drawn to programming, for instance, but when it’s necessary, I dive in headfirst and make it part of my routine.

And then there’s my approach to academics versus entrepreneurship. I’ve never been a fan of rigid systems or following orders blindly. As a student, I gravitated toward subjects that sparked my curiosity, like science and geography, and I pursued them with passion - not necessarily for grades but for the joy of learning. Similarly, in business, I’ve embraced a path that allows me to explore, experiment, and grow on my own terms.

Lessons from Loss and Resilience

Starting businesses hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve lost money, made mistakes, and learned the hard way. But each setback taught me resilience and clarity. I began to understand not just what works in business, but also what works for me personally - how to align my strengths, passions, and routines to build something meaningful.

Today, Coffee Analytica is not just a business; it’s a reflection of my journey. It’s a platform where curiosity meets routine, where exploration meets discipline, and where creativity meets resilience.

Looking Ahead: Building with Purpose

Reflecting on my journey, I see that the path I’ve chosen - working on businesses rather than only being employed - feels like a natural extension of who I’ve always been. I’ve always valued the freedom to explore, the challenge of building something from scratch, and the satisfaction of watching it grow.

At Coffee Analytica, we’re not just about coffee; we’re about the journey, the routines, the little discoveries, and the big breakthroughs. It’s a space for curious minds, disciplined builders, and people who find joy in the process.

To those reading this, whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or simply figuring out your next step: trust in the small, consistent actions. They add up in ways you can’t always see at first but will become evident as you reflect on your own journey.