Meet Regilyn Catanyag | Owner of Café DOCHI

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regilyn Catanyag and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regilyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process started all the way in high school, so for about 6 years now? It all started from a dream I always had of starting a business of my own, because I love the idea of building and creating a community for those like-minded and to spread the culture and love for the Philippines. A lot of my baked goods are heavily inspired by Filipino desserts and staples such as the “Mango Float” and Milo powder. The name of my business comes from my dog, Dochi! I had adopted him around 2019, and since then I love him with all of my heart. He is a best friend to me, so naturally I had decided to name the business after him.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business thrives on the connection with other people, and the love that we all share for Filipino culture! I am honestly most proud of the growth I have went through while managing my business, because at first- I was struggling really hard on how to proficiently take orders and proficiently making said orders without wasting ingredients as baking is a process. Personally, my journey hasn’t been easy as you have to tackle marketing, perfecting your goods, and creating a name for yourself; and I’m a one-person team! However along the way, I learned that I am not really “alone” in all of this, but rather there are people always supporting me from the sidelines and constantly rooting me on! It definitely encourages me to keep going day by day, that my dream is achievable. I would want the world to know that, if you really set your mind to it and create a plan for it, it truly is possible to achieve your dreams. But you have to always remember that it is not linear, there will always be the bad days, but with those- there will also be days that are twice as better as those bad days (Cheesy, I know. But it’s true)!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who grew up in Long Beach, here are my three favorite spots in the LA County:

1. Mulholland. It’s dug deep in LA, and yes I know, driving is bad there, like bad! However when you reach Mulholland and park your car there, it is an amazing view to take in! I recommend going around sunset, then you can see the sun setting into LA. Bonus if you get takeout from YUPDDUK, it is very relaxing up there!
2. The Huntington Library and Gardens. This one is in Pasadena. This place is filled with a variety of gardens and museums, it takes about 3 hours to fully see everything. You can always go back to enjoy everything, this is a good place for friend hangouts!
3. Retro Row in Long Beach. This place is basically a street full of many business and food spots! My favorite stores on Retro Row has got to be Plantiitas and Bel Canto Books. My friends and I walk down there all the time. Whenever you’re in Long Beach, CA- you have GOT to come here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to thank my friends, family, and Dochi for helping and supporting me throughout my journey of owning a small business and for always rooting me on. As I am a one-person team, it tends to feel lonely; having to figure everything out on your own. However, my family has been nothing but supportive of my dreams and are always there whenever I’m in a slump. I’d also love to thank those who have followed me since the beginning, without the community I am currently surrounded with, I honestly don’t know where I would have been today. Mahal na mahal kita!

Website: cafedochi.square.site

Instagram: instagram.com/cafedochi

Facebook: facebook.com/cafedochi