Meet Megan Love | Owner & Operator at Fiddle Leaf Cafe

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Love and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always loved working with food/coffee/and community. I went to WMU for Food Service Administration/Minor in Business. I worked in HS/College for a local grocery store as well as SBUX. I always new that one day I would run my own.

What should our readers know about your business?
The business I own is Fiddle Leaf Cafe, nestled in the Edison Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. Other than the obvious location that sets us apart from other coffee shops/cafes, I like to think we are different because we truly care about every single person that walks thru our door. That may sound cliche, but it literally puts a smile on my face when a regular or even a new face and those in between step foot in our lobby. Although money is a strong factor in the success of a business, I do not put that on my forefront. Most of our ingredients are created/sourced locally. We make many things in house (always made with love)! Our retail section is primarily local artists/makers. All of these choices/expenses cost more, but it is important to me and my business structure to keep things as local as possible. All the while- keeping our prices arguably the lowest in the area. All people deserve high-end experiences and the best quality ingredients. I am proud of the products we carry and I hope it shows in every cup we serve. I have personally met/spoke with/had a cup of coffee, etc with many of my vendors. It’s an “oldschool” way to do business, but we are in this together.

One of my challenges, has been I love being present, most of the time you will find me behind the bar, slinging drinks/food, or chatting it up with one of our regulars. I do not know how people can own a business and not be immersed in the very culture of that business. Someone close to me once said, if you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life. Fiddle Leaf is that for me. It’s basically my 4th child, so I better love it, ya know! Anyways, I am working towards a balance of being present on the floor, however, still being able to do all the boring behind the scenes things.

I want the world to know that if you genuinely care about something and genuinely love something and continue to show up for that something, it will become everything. Hopefully we keep reaching new people and that everyone gets to experience an awesome cup of something from the Fiddle Leaf Cafe!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well for me and my friends, because we are all busy parents, the itinerary would be more chill relaxing type options. Definitely a beach day at South Haven. Farmers Market on Saturday. Perhaps nature center, some local shopping? Food wise: Kitchen 600, Saffrons, Crows Nest, Martinis, Bird Dog/Dog at the Bank, Maru/Kumos, Zaroona, Chin Chin’s to name a few. This is a tough question for me, I LOVE all foods! Always depends on my mood for the day. I would also work in some kind of Spa type day, depending on Budget either a full on Spa day or I would do Oasis hot tub, mani/pedi and or cheep facials and a movie in pjs with favorite snacks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people in my story that deserve a shoutout, honestly. But, if I had to pick one I would say one of my best friends Nicole Bell. She ultimately is the one who encouraged/pushed me to take the final leap into this entrepreneurship journey. But like I said, if you know me, and you are part of my close circle, you deserve a shout out. Owning a business is like raising children. It takes a village, and a wonderful village I have in my circle. I would not have made it past year 2 without my circle.

Website: https://fiddleleafcafe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiddleleafcafekzoo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiddleleafcafekzoo

Image Credits
Elemental Media (Esther Tuttle) did any nice/professional photos. The rest are most likely from my sad iPhone camera.