Meet Jenn Cao

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

Hi Jenn, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has honestly been a big part of my journey. I’ve come to realize that if you never take risks, you actually limit yourself because you’ll never know what would have come from it. You stay in what’s comfortable, and it’s really hard to reach bigger, more meaningful goals that way!

Even before starting the coffee shops, I took a pretty big leap by quitting my job and moving to a foreign country. At the time, I had everything I was “supposed” to want—a stable career, friends, family, and the comfort of living in California. But something felt like it was missing. Living abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also taught me so much and shaped who I am today. A lot of those experiences ended up influencing the flavors, the vibe, and the culture of my shops, Kaffeine Alley in Anaheim Hills and Humanity Coffee in Newport Beach.

One of the biggest risks I took was changing careers. Coming from a background in education, I had little experience in business or hospitality, so stepping into that world was a real challenge. That uncertainty only intensified when the pandemic hit just a couple of months after opening Kaffeine Alley. Still, I was driven by the desire to build something of my own and that motivation ultimately outweighed the fear of navigating something unfamiliar.

Taking risks has helped me see things from new perspectives, stay flexible and adaptable, and grow in ways that ultimately led me to where I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is the intention behind Kaffeine Alley. It’s not just about coffee—it’s about culture, storytelling, and creating a space where people feel welcomed and connected. A lot of that comes from my experiences living and traveling abroad and wanting to bring those flavors and perspectives into something tangible. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to make decisions quickly and not overthink them—take action, learn from mistakes, and move forward. I’ve also learned to trust myself and stay authentic—because people can feel when something is real. At the end of the day, I want people to know that Kaffeine Alley is built with intention, heart, and a genuine desire to create a meaningful experience for the community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anaheim Hills is a very tiny section of Anaheim that has a lot of green spaces and is very family friendly. So that means it’s a very relaxing area. I would take them on a little hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center or around Weir Canyon Loop, order the half rotisserie chicken and get extra garlic sauce, and enjoy a cocktail and butter cake at Reunion!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to my parents. They’ve played such a huge role in shaping who I am, both in life and in business. They taught me to be persistent, to not give up even when things get hard, and to trust that hard work will pay off over time.

Their story as immigrants is also a big part of what drives me. Seeing everything they sacrificed and built from scratch made me want to push myself further and create something meaningful of my own. A lot of my work ethic and perspective comes directly from them, so they deserve so much of the credit for my journey.

Website: https://www.kaffeinealley.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjennifercao

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kaffeine-alley-anaheim

Other: https://g.page/r/CUg69VtGLl6FEAE/review