On November 5, lives across the country were all affected by the highly anticipated 2024 election, some positively and some negatively. Throughout his campaigning, presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced many different plans he would put in place as president, and since he was announced winner of the election, many have been worrying about how his plans will affect them, and the country as a whole. A primary concern has been Trump’s plans on imposing tariffs on imported goods and how they will affect businesses nationally, while there have also been more positive discussions about cutting taxes on employee’s tips. Two local businesses, Charlie May Coffee & Tea House, and The Malaya Tea Room, were interviewed on their reactions to the 2024 Election, how Trump’s upcoming presidency may affect them, and what steps they may be taking in preparation for it.
Charlie May Coffee & Tea House is a coffee shop located up Golf Links Road, only seven minutes away from Bishop O’Dowd, founded by Annie and Ari Cruz back in 2021 when the two sisters began sharing their cold brew coffee and tea recipes inspired by the wisdom of their grandmothers from Guam and the Philippines with friends and family. They embarked on their journey together to grow their business, share their culture with others, and create a community where everyone feels welcomed.
The Malaya Tea Room is a woman-owned tea room in Alameda which is a tribute to the British-Malaya Era. It was founded in September 2019 by Leena Leary who was inspired by her mother-daughter dates to tea rooms during her upbringing in Malaysia. She decided to open her own tea room after noticing the lack of them in the United States to share all her favorite Malaysian and classic British flavors of tea sandwiches. When Malaya first opened, it was only for a short six months before COVID-19 took its toll for 15 months. It was thanks to their to-go tea boxes that they were able to sustain until eventually reopening after the pandemic had passed.
The three owners of these businesses were asked a series of questions regarding their thoughts on Trump’s upcoming presidency as result of the 2024 election, how it may affect their businesses in the near future or long run, and what they may be planning in anticipation.
As for their immediate reactions, both businesses are, like many, unsure on how to feel about the results of the 2024 presidential election. While the uncertainty of what lies in store for the United States is worrying, Charlie May’s has decided to “roll with the punches” and stay focused on what they can do for the community. “We don’t love the results, but it’s not a complete tragedy. We plan to take advantage of what we can while the new administration is in office, while remaining committed to our mission and core values,” said Annie and Ari. Leena from the Malaya Tea Room gave a similar reaction, and while she is also unsure as to what this upcoming presidency will mean as a business owner, states that, “as a woman I wanted to see a woman president take office and Kamala was every woman in all aspects”.
In regards to the uncertainty of what may come from this upcoming presidency, both Charlie May’s and The Malaya Tea Room agree that there is possibility for both positive and negative impacts on their businesses. The tariffs in particular would have a negative impact, especially for Charlie May’s due to their reliance on the importation of coffee. “All coffee is imported from countries in what is known as “the coffee belt.” These are countries close to the equator, while the heaviest tariffs are to be imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, we are expecting the cost of green coffee to increase due to tariffs and climate change, as climate action is likely to change under the president-elect”. This will most certainly lead to an increase to the costs of most imported goods, resulting in higher retail prices for all of their products to compensate for the increased costs of goods, which could make them lose customers. These tariffs will also put more pressure on manufacturers and producers of U.S. produced goods, creating a demand which will be hard for them to meet. “In the long run, we can hope wheat production will meet the demand or we will start to see small bakeries, which whom we work with, dwindle down their production,” said the sisters. On the other hand, Leena from Malaya believed that the propounded tax policies, which have proposed stopping taxation on gratuity, could have some positive impacts on her and her staff. “If that takes into effect my staff will be happy and I will be too”.
The uncertainty in regards to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency also makes it difficult for business owners like those of Charlie May’s and The Malaya Tea Room to prepare many precautions. “I think everything is still very unpredictable,” said Leena from Malaya. But while it is difficult, making precautions is not impossible. For example, Annie and Ari are already planning to keep an emergency fund and continue to stay informed about the incoming administration. “Keeping ourselves educated and doing the research will keep us moving forward and hopefully, take advantage of the cards we are dealt.” Additionally, Leena also plans to, “research on more local buying which will overall support the economy and not impact business cost should higher tariffs take place”.
In conclusion, the future of the United States and its businesses may be uncertain, but the best thing we can do is follow the examples set by the owners of Charlie May Coffee & Tea House and The Malaya Tea Room and remain educated and flexible for whatever challenges come our way.
