“It’s always good to have your own thing. I’m a very strong-willed person and I like to do things my own way, and unless I have a place where I can do that I wouldn’t be happy,” says Oparaeche. “So that’s just what I did.”
Oparaeche hopes that her coffee shop will be a place for conversations between Northwestern and the larger community. JJ Java offers a homey and eclectic space to Northwestern students, complete with local art shows, open mic nights, concerts, and house-roasted coffee.
The Nigerian born former chemist didn’t even drink coffee when she started in the business, let alone know how to make it. One of Oparaeche’s goals when going into business for herself was to offer customers the quality that comes with personal attention, which is why she started roasting her own coffee at JJ Java.
“I believe that I am serving kings, so because I’m serving kings I need to give them the best,” said Oparaeche. “That’s how I think [about business.]”
Aside from her personal success, Oparaeche hopes to bridge the gap between Northwestern students and the Evanston community. JJ Java is a “home-away-from-home” for many Northwestern students for meetings and study sessions and Oparaeche hopes that bringing in local artists and musicians can create some harmony in the city’s relationship with the school.
“I’m trying to match the school with the community, which hasn’t happened [in the past],” says Oparaeche. “But I’ll find a way,” she laughs.