Hospitality runs in the veins of Ellen Moana Smith, who comes from a long line of hospitality workers. Born to a single mother, who worked at Tony's, Smith grew up in West Auckland and took on the role of a barista to support her true passion for the performing arts.
Being a people person and a food lover, she loves her job at Neil Cafe, as it enables her to build connections with the community and make magic for every day.
Located in the middle of Te Atatū, Neil Cafe does not stick to a coffee menu, making whatever sort of coffee a customer would like, which Smith sometimes finds challenging.
A coffee lover herself, Smith loves the employee perks of free coffee at the cafe, which lets her try something new every time, inspired by other customers' orders.
With a beautiful outdoor space, incredible music and great staff, Neil Cafe also serves single-origin flight coffee for those wanting something special and hot chocolate that are popular amongst kids in the area.
Smith, a plant mom, is a big gardening enthusiast. She is also a backing vocalist for an afro-funk band, Fathe and the Sweetos.
