My First Pop Up
Lattes
The first time I visited Project Seed Coffee was with an ex-boyfriend, right before I flew off to see my sister in NYC. I ordered the buko pandan latte with ube cold foam, and let me tell you—it was so good, it brought us back again. Even after the breakup, that drink kept calling me back, becoming a comforting ritual.
I spent seven years growing up in tropical climates across Asia and the Pacific. In Thailand, pandan and coconut were staples in traditional desserts. Pandan, derived from leaves, is often likened to vanilla, but to me, it’s vanilla’s more vibrant, green cousin. It’s one of my favorite flavors, both for its taste and its vivid color.
One day, my mom, best friend Wae, and I went to Project Seed to work and enjoy some coffee. While there, I noticed a pop-up being set up by a baker specializing in Filipino baked goods. My mom nudged me and said I should do one too. She encouraged me to ask, but I didn’t feel confident enough to present myself as a home bakery owner. I felt unqualified compared to the other pop-up bakers and left with the idea lingering in my mind.
A Scrapbook, a Latte, and a DM
Blessings come, and those who seek, knock, and ask do receive through the Lord. One morning after my Bible study, I was reflecting on the next steps for my home bakery. My scrapbook was open beside me, displaying a watercolor painting I had made of the buko pandan latte. It wasn’t my best work, but it held meaning.
Feeling inspired, I reached out to Erin, the owner of Project Seed, via Instagram. In a somewhat unpolished message, I introduced myself, shared my background in marketing and international business, and explained how baking became a therapeutic outlet during my job search. I expressed my admiration for their unique offerings, like the pandan latte and calamansi drinks, and inquired about the possibility of doing a pop-up.
She Said Yes!
Erin didn’t just respond—she welcomed me warmly. She agreed to the pop-up, offered me coffee, and took time out of her busy day to sit down and share advice. Balancing a full-time job and owning a café, she didn’t have to do any of this, but she did.
We discussed business, faith, and the challenges of balancing life and mental health. Erin shared her journey: immigrating from the Philippines in 2007, meeting her husband in 2009, and starting Project Seed Coffee during the pandemic in 2020. She began by delivering cold brew coffee, eventually expanding to pop-up markets, and finally opening a brick-and-mortar café in Virginia Beach.
One piece of advice she gave me was, “Be a student of your craft.” I quickly jotted it down, eager to hold onto her words. I aspire to learn, grow, and serve, just as she does.
Erin didn’t just respond—she welcomed me warmly. She agreed to the pop-up, offered me coffee, and took time out of her busy day to sit down and share advice. Balancing a full-time job and owning a café, she didn’t have to do any of this, but she did.
We discussed business, faith, and the challenges of balancing life and mental health. Erin shared her journey: immigrating from the Philippines in 2007, meeting her husband in 2009, and starting Project Seed Coffee during the pandemic in 2020. She began by delivering cold brew coffee, eventually expanding to pop-up markets, and finally opening a brick-and-mortar café in Virginia Beach.
One piece of advice she gave me was, “Be a student of your craft.” I quickly jotted it down, eager to hold onto her words. I aspire to learn, grow, and serve, just as she does.
"If It Brings You Joy, Keep Doing It"
When I returned to help Erin film some content, the first drink she chose to feature was the same buko pandan latte with ube cold foam that had first drawn me in. I mentioned the watercolor painting I had done of it, calling it terrible. She smiled and said, “Oh no, if it brings you joy and makes you happy, keep doing it! It doesn’t have to be perfect or beautiful every time.”
Erin reminds me of walking flowers—the kind of person who makes things bloom wherever she goes. She’s personal, kind, and deeply committed to serving her community, not just with coffee, but with love.
Be a Student of Your Craft!
Erin once thought she would be a preacher or a preacher’s wife, having been a non-denominational worship teacher. She realized she could serve her community through her café, bringing love, joy, and peace to her customers. She believes that even a simple interaction at the register can make someone’s day and be the reason they choose to keep going.
She advised me, “I wish I would have done it sooner,” emphasizing the importance of starting when you have fewer responsibilities. Balancing jobs, family, and personal health is challenging, but with God’s perfect timing, anything is possible.
Invites to all to Come to My First Pop-Up
I’m thrilled to announce my first-ever pop-up at Project Seed Coffee on Saturday, June 7th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re in the area, come by and enjoy some of my baked goods—some new, some familiar—and share a meaningful moment together. God’s timing truly is perfect, and I’m so glad I finally asked.
Support Project Seed Coffee
If you’re ever in Virginia Beach and want a place that feels like both a creative haven and a warm hug, please go visit Project Seed Coffee. Erin, the owner, is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met — someone who pours just as much love into her coffee as she does into her community.
Project Seed Coffee
1st Filipino Coffee Shop in Virginia Beach
Home of the Ube Cold Brew 🇵🇭
Open Daily: 730-330pm.
📍5241 Princess Anne Rd Suite 101, Virginia Beach
– projectseedcoffee.com
@projectseedcoffee on Instagram
Whether you’re craving a buko pandan latte with ube cold foam, want to support an immigrant-owned small business, or just need a cozy spot to work or reset — this is the place.
Support her if you can. Share her café. Leave a kind review. Tip big. Tell your friends. She deserves every ounce of success.
"If it brings you joy, keep doing it."
