Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Suter.
Hi Julian , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Joe and I both came from long careers in healthcare, and for years our work was centered on caring for others in very direct ways. But over time, we both felt the pull to create something of our own—something that still served people, but in a different, more personal way. We didn’t know it yet, but that calling was leading us to Café Flōralia.
Funnily enough, the story really started over a cup of coffee. Joe and I met in a local coffee shop here in the community, and as we talked, it became clear that we shared the same vision: to create a space where people could slow down, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. We wanted something rooted in artistry and hospitality—handcrafted coffee, a plant-inspired environment, and a culture that celebrated both the local community and global coffee traditions.
We built Café Flōralia from the ground up—every detail from the menu to the décor was chosen with intention. Our mission has always been simple: grow the good. That means creating not just another coffee shop, but a space that reflects care, craft, and connection.
Today, Café Flōralia has become exactly that—a hub in Canton where people gather for more than just coffee. We roast and serve artisan-quality drinks, partner with local creators, and host events that bring people together. From our cozy storefront to our mobile coffee cart that travels around the community, the vision remains the same: every cup, every conversation, every visit should feel like a reminder that small, thoughtful spaces still matter.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s definitely not been a smooth road. Starting Café Flōralia from scratch meant there was a steep learning curve. Coming from healthcare, we had to figure out every detail—equipment sourcing, menu design, staffing, daily operations—and there was no playbook for us to follow.
On top of that, we were standing up the business during a period of real uncertainty with tariffs. That complicated nearly every process when it came to securing equipment. For example, our roaster—arguably the heart of our café—was delayed several months, which forced us to adjust timelines, rethink our workflow, and stay patient while knowing everything depended on that machine arriving.
Beyond that, we’ve faced the common small business hurdles: long hours, unexpected costs, staffing challenges, and the balancing act of delivering a high-quality customer experience while managing the back-end logistics. But those struggles have shaped us. They forced us to stay creative, lean on our community, and keep our focus on why we started in the first place. Every challenge has ultimately reinforced our belief that what we’re building is worth it, and we wouldn’t trade the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Café Flōralia is, at its heart, the intersection of coffee and community. We set out to create a space that goes far beyond just serving coffee—it’s about building connections, celebrating artistry, and growing something meaningful together.
We specialize in artisan coffee and teas, with a menu that constantly evolves through our vast seasonal specialty drinks. We roast in-house, so when you walk into the café you’re greeted by the fresh aroma of roasted beans, which not only sets the tone but also reinforces our commitment to quality and craft. Alongside our drinks, we feature locally sourced pastries and teas, because supporting other small businesses is something we take immense pride in. When we say “Grow the Good,” we stand by it—our success is tied to the success of those around us, and we do everything we can to highlight and uplift local makers.
What sets us apart is that combination of artistry and authenticity. We’re proud of our plant-forward aesthetic, our role as a gathering hub, and the fact that our offerings extend beyond the café through our mobile coffee cart, espresso bar catering, and event services. Whether someone stops in for a quiet cup, attends an event, or books us for a pop-up, they experience the same spirit: intentional, local, and handcrafted.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the way Café Flōralia has become a platform for others. It’s not just about our drinks—it’s about creating a space where small businesses, local artists, and our neighbors feel seen, supported, and celebrated. We want readers to know that when they visit us, they’re stepping into a café built with care, rooted in the community, and dedicated to making every cup—and every connection—count.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve never given much power to luck, whether good or bad. In business and in life, processes are never perfect or problem-free. The true test of our success hasn’t been about creating a flawless path—it’s about how we respond when things don’t go according to plan.
Sure, some things—good or bad—are outside of our control. Some people might call that luck. But to us, what really matters is how we respond. We’ve learned to stay intentional, to adapt, and to use every challenge as an opportunity to refine who we are and what we stand for.
At Café Flōralia, that mindset has been critical. Delayed equipment, staffing hurdles, unexpected costs—those aren’t “bad luck,” they’re realities of running a small business. What defines us is the way we face them: with creativity, community, and a commitment to keep growing the good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cafefloralia.com
- Instagram: cafe_floralia
- Facebook: Cafe Floralia
- Other: cafe.floralia (Tiktok)
Image Credits
I cannot access the photos at this time. I will send via email.
