Brewing dreams into reality”: An Interview with Young Entrepreneur Samit Phanju

KATHMANDU: In this week’s feature of the “Interactive Program with Bagiswori Students,” we had the pleasure of speaking with a young and passionate entrepreneur who turned his dream into a thriving business.

Meet Mr. Samit Phanju, a recent graduate of Bagiswori Secondary School and the proud owner of a newly established cafe, The Nest Cafe, located at Bhaktapur.

A Spark of an Idea

When asked about how the concept of opening a cafe came to life, Samit shared, It evolved over time. I always wanted to open a cafe, so I decided to combine my passion for creativity, food, and people into one space.” Rather than venturing into a large-scale enterprise, Samit chose to start small—allowing him to manage risks and grow organically.

Starting from Scratch

Opening a business can be daunting, especially for a first-time entrepreneur. Samit admits, I was feeling a bit nervous, but my family supported me, which made it easier.

He financed the café through a combination of personal savings and a small family loan. The strong support system around him, especially from his father, proved to be a crucial element of his success.

A Day in the Life of a Café Owner

Samit’s daily routine begins early. “I’m usually in by 8 AM. I check inventory, interact with customers, and later focus on social media planning and talking to friends who drop by.” His commitment to creating a warm, welcoming space is evident. I greet everyone with a smile, remember regulars by name, and try to personalize their experience.”

Facing Early Challenges

Like many startups, Samit’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. In the beginning, customers came but often didn’t pay right away. Some asked for credit. But over time, things got better. He also mentions the challenge of being taken seriously as a young business owner: “Sometimes I feel people don’t take me seriously because of my age.”

No Team, No Problem

Currently, Samit manages the cafe single-handedly, although friends and family occasionally lend a hand. “I don’t have team members. I handle everything myself, but I do get help from my loved ones, which makes me so proud of them. From loss to profit, my journey has been involved. From a small, small amount, now I have been improving my business. From 3 lakh of money, I have started my business, which now has a trade of 60-70 thousand per month, which has motivated me to do something in my own country.

Name and Vision

The cafe’s name was inspired by coffee itself—a reflection of Samit’s vision to create a place that feels “warm and familiar.”

Valuable Lessons

Being an entrepreneur has taught him adaptability and the value of relationships. “Things don’t always go as planned. Relationships with customers and suppliers matter more than profits.” If he could go back, he says, “I’d spend more time learning basic accounting and management before opening.”

Beyond the Cafe

Outside of work, Samit enjoys music and spending time with friends. Balancing his personal and professional life is tough, but he finds ways to recharge. “I try to keep one day a week just for myself.”

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To those looking to start something of their own, Samit’s message is simple yet powerful: “Start small, but start. Don’t wait for the perfect time. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Final Words

Samit Phanju is more than just a cafe owner—he’s a shining example of youth determination and community spirit. As he continues to grow his business, he inspires many other young people to believe in their dreams.