Why I Quit My 9-5 To Start My Own Cafe With No Plan B…. Ft Mert - Cafe Carlton

Welcome back to another episode FairDinkum Fam!

From a 9-5 to running one of Melbourne’s most loved cafés, this week we sit down with Mert, the founder of Cafe Carlton. ☕️

In this episode, Mert shares how his love for food and coffee began, the moment he realised he couldn’t stay in a regular job forever, and what it really took to take the leap into starting his own business. He opens up about the early challenges of running a café, the doubts he faced, and how he pushed through moments of uncertainty.

We also talk about what owning a café has taught him about himself, the biggest myths people believe about “following your passion,” and the advice he’d give to anyone in their 20s thinking about starting something of their own.

This is a story about risk, purpose, and creating something that leaves a mark beyond just food and coffee.

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