International Women's Day 2025 - Vanessa from Tap & Grind

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women we partner with, café owners, baristas, and hospitality professionals who bring passion and dedication to the industry. We are proud to support them and to witness their success in everything they do.

Tap & Grind is owned by Vanessa Rubini, who started the café seven years ago as a 20-year-old with her dad as a business partner. It was a big commitment for someone so young, even more so when Vanessa’s dad decided to move back interstate. She made the decision to buy him out, and today, she is the sole owner.

What inspired you to open your café?

When someone asks what inspired me to open my café, I’d say it all started when I was working at my family’s café while studying event management. During that time, I realized how much I loved engaging with customers and building relationships with them while they enjoyed their coffee and food. I found joy in making their experience memorable. I also became obsessed with visiting trendy cafés and seeing how they created unique atmospheres that made people feel welcome. When the opportunity came up to open Tap & Grind, I knew it was the perfect chance to combine my passion for customer service with my love for café culture.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, International Women’s Day is all about celebrating what it truly means to be a woman. It’s a day to recognize the strength, resilience, and individuality of every woman. Each woman is unique in her own way, with her own experiences, challenges, and triumphs—and that’s something to be celebrated. It’s a reminder of how far women have come and how important it is to continue supporting and empowering each other every day, no matter what season of life they are in.

Who inspires you the most?

Yes, the woman who has inspired me the most is my mum—she’s number one. She raised me while juggling so many roles, showing me what true strength and resilience look like. Her journey is incredible—she moved to Australia at a young age without speaking a word of English, yet she taught herself, studied the language, built a new life, and worked tirelessly to provide for the two of us. What always stands out is her unwavering determination. Despite all the challenges, she has always treated everyone with the utmost respect, taken the time to listen, and spread positivity to everyone around her. She’s a constant reminder of the power of perseverance and kindness.

Former owner of Paddock Bakery and current owner of Tarte Bakery, Chloe Watts, inspires me with her sense of creative vision coming to life.

What’s the best part of running your own business?

The best part of running my own business is definitely a combination of a few things. One of the main joys is bringing a team together and creating an environment where everyone feels like they truly belong. I love fostering a sense of unity and making sure no one feels more or less than anyone else—we’re all in it together.

Another big highlight is the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the past 10 years. When you see familiar faces returning day after day, it feels like you’ve created something special, almost like a second family. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see visions and ideas come to life and watch them grow. Watching it all come together is such a fulfilling part of the journey.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about opening a café?
I’d tell any woman thinking about starting her own café to go all in with your gut feeling—trust your instincts. It’s easy to get caught up in what others think, but staying true to your vision and passion is key. Also, don’t let anyone dull your energy or enthusiasm because you’re capable of so much more than you may realize.

Another piece of advice I’d share is the importance of work-life balance. It’s easy to get consumed by the hustle, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can give your best to your business, your team, and your customers. It’s all about finding that balance and remembering to prioritize your well-being.

What challenges come with running a café?

Running a café definitely comes with its challenges, but the key is knowing you’ll always find a way to get through them, even when it feels tough or like you’re stuck in a tunnel. One big challenge is managing costs—it can be tricky to balance expenses while still providing great quality and service.

Another challenge is staff reliability—sometimes you can’t control when things come up, and it can be tough when you need everyone to be on the same page. And, of course, you can’t always meet every single person’s needs. But at the end of the day, all you can do is your best, stay flexible, and keep pushing forward. It’s all part of the journey!

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

When things get challenging, what keeps me motivated is recognizing that, in the moment, it’s important to step back and remove the emotions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but I’ve learned that taking a step away helps reset my mind.

For me, doing one thing that makes me feel good is key—whether it’s something small or simple, it helps clear my head. Personally, I find that going for a walk at the beach and getting some fresh air is my way of recharging. It helps me come back with a fresh mindset, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Thank you Vanessa for taking part and for everything you do!