Shuyi’s path into hospitality was anything but conventional. With no prior industry experience, she took over an existing cafe in March 2020 and rebranded it as Musk. Opening just before COVID meant learning the business from the ground up, doing everything herself while navigating the challenges of the pandemic.

Musk survived COVID and built a loyal local following, but just as the business was gaining momentum, the 2022 Brisbane floods devastated the business and forced Musk to close.

Shuyi then began her career in social work, while still holding onto the idea of bringing Musk back. Four years later, while continuing her work as a social worker, she reopened Musk in Teneriffe. Just seven weeks after reopening, Musk gained viral attention with the launch of its signature -86 Degrees Dirty.

On the Cafe Success Stage, Shuyi shares her experience of rebuilding a brand, taking creative risks, and how one distinctive signature drink helped Musk cut through in a crowded market.