Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirine Arzu.
Hi Shirine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that the most meaningful work is created at the intersection of purpose, passion, and intention. I spent 20 years as a Senior Project Manager with Hertz, leading large scale initiatives and driving operational excellence across a global organization. When the world slowed during COVID, I finally had the space to reflect on how I wanted the next chapter of my life to unfold. That moment of clarity guided me toward entrepreneurship and opened the door to building something that aligned more closely with who I am at my core.
That reflection led me to launch Harvin Project Consulting.
For years, I had been the person who could untangle processes, bring structure to chaos, and guide cross functional teams through complex projects. I realized these were not just skills tied to one employer. They were strengths I could offer to organizations of all sizes. Harvin Project Consulting began with local clients who needed help setting up systems, improving customer experience, and organizing their operations. It quickly expanded into larger initiatives including IT transformations, enterprise level implementations, and compliance projects. That work reaffirmed an essential truth: when businesses have structure and clarity, they thrive.
Yet even as my consulting practice grew, another lifelong passion continued to call to me. Coffee.
My love for coffee began in childhood, watching my mother drink countless cups a day. It became our shared ritual, a comfort woven into the rhythm of our home. Over time, that early fascination evolved into a deep curiosity. I traveled to coffee growing regions around the world to learn from roasters, experience diverse flavor profiles, and understand the craftsmanship that defines exceptional coffee. Experiencing coffee on a global level transformed my appreciation into something far more meaningful.
Some of my most treasured memories come from the summers I spent in the South of France. Sitting in lavender fields with a warm cup of coffee became a moment of peace that stayed with me long after each visit. When it came time to name my café, the choice was instant. Lavender Café is the perfect intersection of the elements that shaped me: serenity, global inspiration, craftsmanship, and passion.
I began by serving at local ribbon cuttings, intimate social gatherings, and weddings. These early experiences helped me refine my menu and create warm, intentional moments for guests. The response was immediate and heartfelt. People connected not only with the coffee, but with the story, the care, and the atmosphere Lavender Café brought to their events.
At the heart of Lavender Café is a mission to support the community that supports me. I intentionally partner with local roasters and small businesses because I believe deeply in uplifting the people around me. Lavender Café is more than a mobile coffee bar. It is an experience rooted in authenticity, culture, and connection.
Today, Lavender Café is expanding across South Carolina, serving weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, and community gatherings. Every booking allows me to share a touch of South of France serenity, global coffee inspiration, and local pride. My goal is to create meaningful moments that linger long after the last sip, one cup at a time.
Entrepreneurship allowed me to rediscover who I am. Harvin Project Consulting reflects my strategic mind and leadership experience. Lavender Café reflects my creativity, cultural influences, and love for connection. Together, they tell the story of a woman who chose to build her life with intention, resilience, and purpose. I am grateful every day for where that choice has led me and excited for the chapters still ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped me grow. Moving from a long corporate career into entrepreneurship was a big adjustment. In my previous role, I had established systems, teams, and support. As a business owner, I suddenly had to manage everything myself and learn the ins and outs of running a small business from the ground up.
Building credibility in a new industry was also a challenge. Lavender Café was created from passion, but I still had to introduce my brand, get my name out there, and show people the value of an elevated coffee experience. Every event, whether it was a ribbon cutting, a small gathering, or a wedding, helped me build trust and refine my services.
There were practical hurdles too, like choosing the right equipment, perfecting the menu, and finding high quality local roasters that aligned with my vision. But one good thing is that my project management skills definitely helped me. They gave me the structure, planning, and organization I needed to stay focused and keep moving forward.
Even with the challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each learning moment has strengthened the business and made Lavender Café what it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lavender Cafe?
Lavender Café is my mobile coffee business that brings handcrafted espresso drinks to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. What makes us different is the personal touch. Every drink is made with care, and every event feels warm, welcoming, and memorable. I am proud that people trust us to add something special to their most important moments.
I also run Harvin Project Consulting, where I help small businesses with one time projects, process improvements, and understanding how their customer experience performs when they are not present. My focus is on clarity, organization, and making things easier for business owners.
Both brands are built on quality, professionalism, and genuine care for the people we serve.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice I have for finding a mentor is to connect with people naturally. Most of my mentors came from real conversations and from people noticing my work over time. I’ve learned that being yourself and asking honest questions goes a long way.
For networking, I focus on building genuine relationships, not collecting contacts. When you show up consistently, share what you do, and stay open to learning, the right people usually find their way to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavendercafeco.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17URXFqwEH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
