How I created a "Starbucks at home"

When I was in high school, I worked part-time at Calabria Bakery, in Markham, Ontario. Calabria's elegant cappuccino machine would always mesmerize me. Once I learned how to craft cappuccinos and lattes, I fell in love with this machine. When my boss asked what I wanted for my 18th birthday, I told him a cappuccino machine. He was shocked I didn't want a car.

My wish came true and I got my very own Breville Café Roma Espresso machine (see left). I was ready to "start my own business." Well, not really, but I was ready to brand my espresso drinks and have cappuccino gatherings. I took these steps:

1) Named my "cappuccino business"

I named it "Spinabucks" of course (replacing the "Star" with Spina).

2) More cappuccino machines

Two years later, I received a new Icona DeLonghi espresso machine for Christmas and a T20 Tassimo machine as a birthday gift. It was clear everyone was catching on to my new hobby. I was overjoyed for my Spinabucks expansion. --->

3) Classy presentation

To make cappuccinos presentable, I needed to have classy dishware for serving guests. I bought cappuccino mugs and cup plates at Bowring. See below.

4) Buy appropriate syrups and toppings

I theme my cappuccino gatherings to pair with the season or holiday. On Thanksgiving, I serve pumpkin spice cappuccinos using pumpkin syrup I bought at the St. Lawrence Market. For Christmas, I serve candy cane and gingerbread cappuccinos (see left) by using flavoured syrups and toppings. I use specialty syrups from Starbucks or Second Cup.

5) Social media

I always entice my friends to share their Spinabucks on social media. Of course I myself am the biggest promoter. See below.

I love crafting espresso drinks, especially cappuccinos. For anyone who wants to learn more about the art of the cappuccino, my contact information is on the homepage.