This Women’s Month, we shine the spotlight on Nikki San Juan, the Cebuana entrepreneur whose simple idea helped reshape the local coffee landscape.
In 2022, Don Macchiatos introduced what would soon become its signature offering: an iced caramel macchiato priced at only ₱39. What began in a small neighborhood in Cebu quickly captured the attention of coffee lovers. The goal at the time was modest: to sell around 200 cups on opening day. Instead, the response exceeded expectations and marked the beginning of a rapidly growing brand.
Behind the success is San Juan’s personal story. Before building a nationwide coffee brand, she worked as a call center agent and experienced firsthand how something as simple as a daily cup of coffee could feel like a luxury for students and young workers. That experience shaped the vision behind Don Macchiatos: a cup of coffee that anyone can afford.
Today, Don Macchiatos has expanded to hundreds of branches across the Philippines. But beyond its popularity, the brand has also created opportunities for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Franchisees have been able to build businesses of their own, support their families, and create new livelihoods in their communities.
For San Juan, the journey is about more than business growth. It’s about proving that a small idea, when driven by purpose, persistence, and heart, can create a meaningful impact.
This Women’s Month, her story stands as a reminder that women continue to lead, innovate, and inspire.
