The perfect brew: Crafting coffee and community on TikTok

Rizzo Tuazon (@kape.rt on TikTok)

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Have you ever watched a video so immersive that you can almost smell and taste what’s happening on screen? That’s exactly what keeps the followers of coffee connoisseur Rizzo Tuazon coming back for more. His TikTok account, @kape.rt, is filled with mesmerizing clips of aromatic coffee being stirred, ice cubes clinking, and rich espresso shots pouring into glasses against the backdrop of a beautifully styled coffee shop. It’s no surprise that every video leaves both coffee enthusiasts and casual viewers instantly craving a cup.

Incidental coffee content creator

A fashion designer based in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Rizzo never intended to become a popular content creator when he started sharing his coffee videos online. He was simply conducting research for KAPE’, his coffee shop known for serving artisan espresso-based and caffeine-free drinks. “I was doing research and development for the shop’s menu, then I realized how hard it is to write while making coffee,” he explains. Instead of jotting things down, Rizzo turned on his camera, recording his coffee-making process for reference. Little did he know, these casual videos would resonate with viewers who found them both satisfying and entertaining.

He added voiceovers to the videos and shared personal anecdotes—unpolished and honest, much like his coffee experiments. The unscripted, sometimes humorous nature of his videos made them highly relatable. “The person you see as Rizzo in my videos, that’s really who I am in real life,” he shares. This authenticity, combined with his coffee-making expertise, struck a chord with viewers. Soon enough, he gained a loyal fanbase who followed his journey from TikTok to opening his own local café.

From creative outlet to business tool

Though Rizzo’s foray into content creation wasn’t intentional, it quickly became a powerful tool for growing his business with having 20 cups per week to 100 cups per week as he started to release his TikTok videos about his coffee shop. TikTok not only showcases his coffee creations but also captures the joys and challenges of running a local coffee shop. “I use the platform to promote new drinks and share snippets of my daily life,” he explains. By offering his audience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his café, Rizzo fostered a sense of connection that extends beyond digital space, creating a loyal community of followers.

Customers began visiting his café not just for the coffee, but to connect with Rizzo, the coffee content creator whose entertaining videos they had come to enjoy.  “Some people just come to my shop and greet me with ‘vigorous day’” Rizzo recalls, referring to a catchphrase from one of his TikTok series. Many even traveled from faraway provinces to try his drinks, a testament to the far-reaching impact of his content.

Uplifting local businesses

As a local café owner, Rizzo understands the importance of supporting local businesses. He frequently highlights other local brands in his content, promoting Filipino-owned shops and suppliers. “I just want to see local businesses thrive and succeed because I know how difficult it is out there,” he says. Through TikTok, Rizzo found a platform not only to share his passion but also uplift others in the community.

Rizzo’s content continues to evolve, but his goal remains the same: to tell stories that resonate with his audience. Whether it’s through his humorous coffee tutorials or heartfelt live sessions, Rizzo uses TikTok as a medium to connect, inspire, and support others. “For me, TikTok is a way to share my stories with the world,” he reflects. In doing so, Rizzo has built a brand that transcends digital space, leaving a lasting impact on both his followers and his local community.

A community of content creators

Rizzo’s success wasn’t just about his budding coffee business—it was about building a community. On TikTok, he found a space where like-minded creators and fans could come together. “At first, I was really scared because this is a new space for me,” he admits. But over time, through comments and collaborations, Rizzo built friendships and found support in the TikTok community.

This sense of community inspired Rizzo to help others, especially aspiring creators who were just starting their journeys. He often shares advice about finding one’s voice and staying true to it. “Just keep on posting and always put your best foot forward,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and authenticity. “Your voice and your stories matter.”

In every video he creates, Rizzo not only promotes his coffee shop but also brews rich connections with people from all walks of life. Through TikTok, Rizzo blends his personal experiences and creativity to inspire and empower Filipino creators and entrepreneurs. The platform has become a space where Filipinos can transform their passions into thriving ventures. With authenticity, community, and creativity, Rizzo continues to brew success—one TikTok video at a time.