In a world where the typical 9-to-5 routine often dominates, some daring souls have found a way to break free from that mold. Meet Nik and JC, the coolest couple and the masterminds behind No Nine to Five.
After realizing that the traditional work structure wasn’t for them, they embarked on a unique adventure that not only allowed them to live life on their terms.
Here’s how it all happened
Nik and JC’s journey started in a way that many young people can relate to. After graduating, they found themselves unsure of what to do next. The idea of a typical office job didn’t appeal to them, and they knew they wanted something different.
They both loved making friends, traveling, and experiencing new things in life. They needed a career path that would allow them to explore these passions while also sustaining themselves financially.
We knew right away that the 9-to-5 life wasn’t for us. The idea of sitting at a desk every day just didn’t fit with what we wanted” said JC.
It was during this period of self-reflection that they stumbled upon the concept of car boot sales, a popular trend in other countries.
Speaking to WeirdKaya they explained that it was the perfect fit—traveling to different places, meeting new people, and earning money at the same time. It was everything they had been searching for in one package. And so, the seed for No Nine to Five was planted.
From coffee to creative ventures
They invested in a van tailored for their business, mastered the art of brewing the perfect coffee and matcha, and spent countless days and nights honing their skills. With determination, they transformed their vision to real life.
Fast forward to the present day, and Nik and JC have transformed that seed into a full-fledged brand. While they initially started by serving coffee out of their van, they now also have a marketing agency.
Just recently, we opened our very own cafe at Cheras, called After Five. It all happened like a dream come true” said JC.
Their success in both coffee and marketing fueled their desire to take things a step further. After completing a journey across West Malaysia, where they traveled extensively and met people from all over the region, they launched their very own cozy new café called After Five.
Knowing their true calling
For Nik and JC, it wasn’t always clear that this was the path they were meant to follow. Like many young graduates, they were unsure of what direction to take in life.
However, they both realized that their love for traveling, meeting new people, and stepping outside the traditional career box was something they couldn’t ignore.
We didn’t want to follow the path that was expected of others; we wanted to carve out our own“
Their travels around West Malaysia helped solidify their passion. Meeting new people, exploring different towns, and gaining fresh perspectives from the locals showed them that this lifestyle was not only fulfilling but also sustainable.
Their struggles along the way
Of course, starting any new venture is not without its challenges, and No Nine to Five was no exception.
We were struggling at first,” JC reflects. “In Kuala Selangor, we could barely afford to eat anything other than ikan bilis and instant noodles. But we kept going, and before we knew it, people were waiting for us at our stops.
When Nik and JC first discovered the concept of running a van coffee business, they found that while it was popular in other countries like China, it wasn’t something that had taken off in Malaysia. As a result, there were very few examples or resources available to guide them.
There were so many things we didn’t know at first,” Nik admits. “From how to manage the electricity in the van to figuring out how to even get people to come. We spent so much time just searching for answers online and trying to piece things together.
They spent hours on the internet, researching how to set up a mobile coffee van, how to manage electricity, and how to attract customers.
They had to learn everything from scratch, with many aspects of the business posing questions that they had no immediate answers to. But despite the initial hurdles, their persistence and determination carried them through.
Finding fulfillment
The most rewarding part of Nik and JC’s journey came when they started to see the fruits of their labor.
They had prepared themselves for the worst, promising each other that if they ran out of savings without seeing results, they’d put an end to the journey. However, they didn’t give up, and slowly people began to notice them.
It wasn’t just about the business anymore,” Nik says. “It became about the people—the friends we made, the stories we heard. That’s what made everything feel so fulfilling.”
Their journey across Malaysia began in March 2023, with their first stop being Kuala Selangor. Business was slow at first, but then they started seeing lines of people waiting for them even before they arrived at their destinations.
Locals would bring them traditional food to try, and their community grew with every new stop they made.
These moments, when they realized that people were genuinely interested in what they were doing, were the most fulfilling for them. Seeing the support from people who appreciated their journey made everything worthwhile.
What’s next for No Nine to Five?
From the start, Nik and JC had a clear vision: to drive their coffee truck through every city in Malaysia, including East Malaysia, which is still very much a part of their future plans.
The journey they have undertaken thus far has shaped who they are today, and their mission remains the same—to keep moving forward, doing what they love, and inspiring others to live life on their own terms.
With the addition of their marketing agency and After Five Café, they have built a brand that allows them the freedom to continue exploring, creating, and connecting with people. They’re living the ultimate “No Nine to Five” lifestyle, and they have no plans of slowing down.
What’s next?” JC smiles. “We’re going to keep doing what we love—driving our van, serving coffee, and meeting incredible people along the way. We’re living life on our terms, and there’s no better feeling than that.
For Nik and JC, the journey is just as important as the destination. They’ve learned that when you follow your passions, even the most challenging days can feel rewarding. And now, they’re ready to keep pushing forward, building new experiences and making even more connections along the way.
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