I came to the United States for what was supposed to be a two-week vacation. Just a quick trip to visit New York City, eat some food, see the Grand Canyon, and soak in the landmarks. I had no idea that somewhere between the cafés of Brooklyn and the sidewalks of Seattle, this country would steal my heart.
I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia—a city famous for its coffee culture. Back home, I had worked in cafes, managed espresso bars, and knew my way around a roasting machine. But I had always thought my future was there, in the city where I grew up. That changed the moment I started visiting independent coffee shops across America.
What I found here wasn’t just coffee—it was community. Every small café had its regulars, its vibe, its playlist. There was something special about the energy of American entrepreneurship that hit me deep. The baristas were friendly, customers talked to strangers, and there was a real sense of possibility in the air.
By the end of my trip, I wasn’t thinking about going home—I was thinking about staying. And not just staying—I wanted to build something here.
Falling in Love with the American Coffee Scene
In Portland, I had a flat white that rivaled any cup I’d had in Australia. In Austin, I saw a café double as a co-working space and live music venue. And in LA, I watched customers line up down the block just for ethically-sourced beans and a killer pour-over.
I started to wonder—what if I could bring the techniques, passion, and artistry I knew from Melbourne, and fuse them with the energy and ambition of America? What if I opened a café that was part Australian roastery, part West Coast creative hub? The idea wouldn’t leave me alone.
I took out a notepad and started sketching logos, menus, names. Within days, I had a vision: a micro-roastery and café called “Bloom & Barrel”, focused on sustainable sourcing, global brewing methods, and community engagement.
From Tourist to Business Founder
Of course, having a dream is one thing. Building it is another. I didn’t have U.S. citizenship. I didn’t have legal paperwork, a registered business, or any idea how to set one up. But if I’ve learned one thing from traveling, it’s this: the first step is always the hardest—but it’s worth taking.
I researched for hours, talked to expat entrepreneurs, and eventually learned that the best structure for a foreigner starting a small business in the U.S. was an LLC—Limited Liability Company. It would allow me to run my operations legally, open a U.S. bank account, sign leases, and eventually apply for the appropriate visa based on investment.
Now I just needed help setting it all up.
Why I Chose InCorp.com to Launch My LLC
That’s when I found InCorp.com. As someone new to the American legal system, I needed clarity, not jargon. InCorp delivered exactly that. Their platform was clear, simple, and surprisingly fast. In less than an hour, I had my company name registered, documents submitted, and all the legal bases covered.
Most importantly for me—they offered the best registered agent service I could find. As a foreigner without a U.S. address, I needed a registered agent to receive legal notices and stay compliant. InCorp gave me a real, reliable agent without charging outrageous fees or hiding costs behind fine print.
They didn’t just help me file paperwork. They made me feel like I belonged here.
Opening Bloom & Barrel: A Dream Realized
With the legal side handled, I found a small commercial space in San Diego—right in a neighborhood filled with foot traffic, artists, and tech workers. I signed the lease, outfitted the space with a single-origin roaster, and imported beans from my favorite small farms in Colombia, Kenya, and Indonesia.
Our launch menu was minimal: espresso, pour-overs, flat whites, and a few baked goods. But it wasn’t about volume—it was about vibe. Every customer who walked in felt seen, welcomed, and understood. That’s the magic of combining global coffee culture with American warmth.
Bloom & Barrel: Business Growth Over Time
Here’s how my pop-up turned storefront business scaled from a tourist’s dream to a real success story:
| Milestone | Month 1 | 6 Months | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Customers | 15–20 | 60–80 | 120+ |
| Monthly Revenue | $3,200 | $14,500 | $29,000+ |
| Team Size | Just me | 3 staff members | 9 total (front & back of house) |
| Products Offered | Espresso, pastries | Full drink menu + brunch | Retail beans, merch, events |
The Role InCorp.com Played in My Journey
Without InCorp, I honestly don’t know how I would’ve launched. Their platform gave me the structure I needed to operate legally, the registered agent service to satisfy compliance, and the confidence to call myself a business owner in a brand new country.
For any traveler-turned-founder, or international entrepreneur considering a U.S. launch, InCorp.com offers the cheapest registered agent service that doesn’t cut corners. They’re fast, legit, and supportive every step of the way.
Advice for Other Dreamers Abroad
To anyone traveling the U.S. right now, falling in love with its freedom, and wondering if you could actually build something here—you can. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Let curiosity guide you. Pay attention to what excites you while you travel—that could be your business idea.
- Make it official early. Form your LLC and handle your paperwork. InCorp.com makes that part painless.
- Don’t let your passport limit you. There are pathways for foreign entrepreneurs. Start with formation, then build your case.
- Infuse your culture into your brand. That’s your edge. People love global stories with local flavor.
- Take the leap—even if it scares you. Fear is part of growth. Jump anyway.
What’s Next for Bloom & Barrel
We’re now planning to open a second location in Austin and launch a subscription service for small-batch coffee delivery across the U.S. I’m working with local farmers to ensure fair trade and sustainable practices, and we’ve just hosted our first community brew night with live music and storytelling.
This isn’t just a café anymore—it’s a home. A dream. A piece of my story that I get to share with every single person who walks through the door.
And it all started because I booked a tourist visa, fell in love with this country, and believed it was possible to stay, to build, and to belong.
If you’re standing on American soil right now, wondering if your idea has a place here—this is your sign. Start with one form. One brand name. One belief. And take the leap.