At just 17, Emma-Lee Braun transformed from high school grad to business owner with Sip & Sol Café, a mobile coffee truck in Sicamous.
From Graduation Stage to Coffee Craze
While many teens spend their summer celebrating freedom after high school, Emma-Lee Braun had bigger plans. Just weeks after walking the stage at Salmon Arm Secondary’s Sullivan campus, the 17-year-old traded in textbooks for a coffee grinder. By the August long weekend, her new venture, Sip & Sol Café, was already serving up lattes at Bruhn Crossing in Sicamous.
A Taste of Europe Sparks a Dream
Emma-Lee’s love for coffee culture didn’t just come from her hometown. After a recent trip through Italy and Spain, she soaked in the café lifestyle and returned buzzing with ideas. Inspired by the vibrant energy of European coffee shops, she envisioned something unique for her own community.
From Employee to Entrepreneur
This leap into business ownership wasn’t out of the blue. Emma-Lee had already spent five years working behind the counter at another café. That experience gave her the skills—and confidence—to finally bring her dream to life. Now, instead of clocking in, she’s the one calling the shots.
Brewing Community Connection
Sip & Sol Café isn’t just about coffee; it’s about creating a space that blends culture, connection, and comfort on wheels. With every cup poured, Emma-Lee proves that age is no barrier to ambition.
