For owner, Latte Love a labor of love

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Shanell Beyzade opened Latte Love, located at 2228 4th St. in Eureka, in May. Operating successful businesses is something she has been doing for over two decades.
She and her husband own Kebab Cafe in Arcata, which has been around for 15 years. For the past 20 years, Beyzade, an interior designer, has also run the home-based business Creative Decorating & Design, which specializes in custom window coverings and custom draperies.
Beyzade purchased Latte Love's location in December of 2011. “My vision was to decorate the interior with the skills that I have and to make it as unique and comfortable as possible,” she said. “I choose very nice colors and colorful photos of peacock feathers to achieve the effect you see at the coffee shop.”
Then Beyzade began searching for a coffee supplier. Her choice was Strawhouse, in Junction City. “They have the finest coffee that I have ever tasted,” said Beyzade. “It is all organic, fair trade and they roast their beans at their shop. The coffee is delivered fresh weekly, and we are the only coffee shop on the North Coast that serves Strawhouse.” Many customers have commented on the uniqueness of the flavor. Besides coffee, Latte Love offers chai tea and fruit smoothies which are 100 percent fruit with no preservatives, artificial flavors or sweeteners. You can customize your smoothie by adding fresh ginger or mint.
”My signature drink is Latte Love,”said Beyzade. “It is basically a latte with a hint of lavender. My daughters helped me invent this while I was setting up the shop. Another specialty of ours is Lavender Love, which is cold black tea with ice, a splash of half-and-half and lavender.”
All of the food served is prepared locally. Choices include Kebab Cafe pita bread served with baba ganoush or hummus, Los Bagels' bagels with cream cheese and a variety of toppings and Rita's burritos. The muffins, scones and bread are all purchased from local stores. Latte Love strives to be as vegetarian-friendly and as accommodating of customers' needs as they can be. Milk options include almond milk, soy and rice milk.
”It makes me very happy when people comment on how much they enjoy our coffee shop,” said Beyzade. “When I hear this and see them smile, my soul smiles and I am content. I just want to share this business with everyone and especially with people in Humboldt County because this is my home and where I was born and raised.”
Latte Love is open Monday through Friday. 6:30 a.m to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check them out on Facebook or call 707-442-1200 for more information.