It’s a warm spring day in New York when I sit down for a coffee with Lizzy Okpo, the founder of The Oma Shop. Instantly, you’re drawn to her calming yet vibrant energy—a striking combination that radiates even as she tends to her six-week-old baby. Amidst the casual chatter, Lizzy’s warmth and sense of humor set the tone for our conversation. It’s clear that, despite her busy life as a mom of two and entrepreneur, she carries a grace that permeates everything she touches.
Lizzy begins by sharing details about the two beautiful spaces she runs Harlem. These shops are much more than cafés—they are the heart of a lifestyle brand that blends retail, self-care, wellness, and, of course, exceptional quality coffee. “What ties these spaces together,” Lizzy tells me, “is our drive to bring together products that no one else is doing.”
We reflect on the dream that inspired these spaces. Lizzy speaks candidly about her initial disappointment with what Harlem had to offer. "I had to leave Harlem to find the things I loved”. But for Lizzy, it was about more than just importing trends—it was about instilling a sense of pride in place. Harlem has a rich, beautiful history, and Lizzy wanted to honor that while giving her spaces a contemporary edge. “It’s about the renaissance of Harlem,” she says, “delivering an authentic voice that reflects the community.”
When I ask what she hopes to build with The Oma Shop, Lizzy is clear: it’s about bringing people together. “I want to help people build relationships and friendships,” she explains, reflecting on the sense of connection she feels when she meets and inspires new faces in her spaces. For Lizzy, The Oma Shop is more than just a café or a retail store—it’s a place where community, creativity, and culture converge.
As our conversation unfolds, Lizzy shares what keeps people coming back to The Oma Shop. “We take coffee seriously; we don’t compromise on quality,” she emphasizes. “We’re grateful to have built a place where beauty is reflected in both our products and our service, and quality has to be at the heart of that.” She confidently states, “We have the best beans in Harlem.
”In a neighbourhood where coffee shops often serve the same beans, Lizzy wanted The Oma Shop to stand out. That’s why they chose Abbotsford Road. “Their undeniable quality helps us differentiate ourselves,” she explains. “We wanted a coffee that resonated with our audience—and Harlem loves those rich, chocolatey, nutty flavors. Abbotsford Road’s helped find exactly the right fit, our Chidi and Ezinma blends nailed it for us.” Chidi, with its smooth, sweet profile, and Ezinma, known for its bold, nutty richness, have quickly become customer favorites at The Oma Shop, perfectly aligning with Harlem's taste for deep, comforting flavors.
Lizzy also touched on the importance of barista training, something they take great pride in. “We aspire for all our baristas to have what we call ‘barista hands’—a touch that reflects our style and passion.” Ensuring consistency and quality is paramount, and Jerico from Abbotsford Road has played a significant role in guiding the team. “We never want to give our customers any excuse for a drop in quality,” Lizzy says, “and with this partnership, we’re confident in serving the same level of service and excellence every time.”
Lizzy also shared some of the secret products their customers can’t get enough of. “We genuinely have the best turmeric and chai in town,” she beams, giving credit to Abbotsford Road for sourcing the are products “miles ahead of everyone else.”
As the interview draws to a close, Lizzy’s husband, seated nearby, joins in with playful comments. His shared passion for the coffee scene adds warmth to the conversation. Before we wrap up, Lizzy reveals some exciting news: The Oma Shop is going through a bit of a relaunch now that she’s finding more time to focus. "We’ve just secured an alcohol license, and we’re going to start celebrating the barbershop," she says. "We’re also opening up The Oma Room, where we’ll welcome a new DJ each week. It’s really about creating a space where people want to spend time with us. People come for coffee and often stay for over an hour—it’s like they’re hypnotized to stay,” Lizzy laughs. “We love the faces, the connection, the quality—and it feels like we’re just getting started.”
As I thank Lizzy for her time, I leave The Oma Shop with a smile, energized and inspired by the warmth and passion she brings to her spaces. It’s clear that The Oma Shop is not just a coffee destination—it’s a community hub, blending culture, connection, and a deep love for Harlem’s history and future.
