TWO long-time friends with opposite personalities may not sound like the perfect mix for a business.

On the contrary, it’s the contrasting traits of the owners of Café Fusion that built the start-up.

Cameca Samuels and Leisha Patrick have great plans for the “feel good”, “quick bite” and “homy” café that they started six months ago on Ruthven Road.

“We wanted a feel-good space, one that’s inspiring, so apart from food, we want value-added items,” said Samuels.

Eventually, the business will be complemented by a fresh herb garden, which will supply the cafe and add a healthy touch to the menu.

What’s more, they plan to add a mini art gallery to enhance the ambience of the shop while supporting artists.

Until then, the women are keeping costs down and maintaining business that they say keeps customers — having a good menu and delivering good service.

“We are very new, so we try to keep our overheads low,” said Patrick, who, along with a new chef, makes the over 20 dishes that the café serves. “I work practically 15 hours a day, I leave here whenever my customers decide to leave. But we have it under control.”

So far, the response has been amazing, according to Samuels, who handles the marketing and maintenance for the business.

“We don’t mind starting out small, because it gives us the advantage of knowing our customers, we know them by name and that’s a big deal for us,” she said.

Samuels does interior design — a skill she used to make the café that the two dreamed of.

“I decided that one day I would set up a business,” she said.

So she phoned Patrick who was known for her cooking skills from as far back as university, despite not having been schooled in culinary arts.

Patrick acquired her skills from working at various restaurants in the US.

Admittedly, some days are overwhelming for the duo. When that happens, friends and family chip in.

Even when the Business Observer visited, one of Partick’s sisters rolled up her sleeves and washed the dishes while the café owners did the interview.

Having few workers could prove problematic when the customers flow in, but Patrick said she quickly figured out how to handle heavy traffic.

“Everybody wants to feel they are noticed… I find a way to greet everyone,” she said, “if it’s even to make eye contact.”

Even so, Samuels ensures that the space is cosy, and has character that will keep the guests occupied.

“We provide Internet access and there are magazines that customers can read,” she said.