The café that’s changing Hetauda’s social scene

Prabin Shrestha conceptualized an outdoor cafe under a magnificent mango tree, creating a warm and inviting space where people could gather, converse, and find inspiration. Named in honor of his mother, Mira, the café symbolizes the love and luck she has brought into his life. For him, La’ Mira is a sanctuary for those who value creativity, connection, and culture.

Born and raised in Hetauda, Shrestha grew up observing his father, who navigated business challenges with resilience and determination. He developed a keen interest in business from an early age. After completing his +2 in Science, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). His desire to excel in the business world led him to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2023. 

In 2025, he was elected the Vice President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Hetauda, an opportunity that allowed him to enhance his leadership skills and contribute to the local community.

After completing his MBA, Shrestha planned to go abroad for a PhD in Marketing, believing it to be the next logical step in his academic and professional journey. “But when I returned to Hetauda, I realized that, despite the city growing rapidly, there was no place where I could enjoy good coffee in a welcoming atmosphere,” he says. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

With a piece of family-owned land adjacent to his house, he saw the perfect opportunity to bring his vision to life. Thus, La’ Mira was born.

Before founding La’ Mira, Shrestha had already embarked on multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded Addy Marketing, a digital marketing agency that assisted over 100 businesses in establishing a strong online presence. Additionally, he co-founded Kathmandu Gifts, an online gifting platform that successfully delivered over 1,000 gifts across Nepal. These experiences equipped him with essential skills in branding, business strategy, and consumer behavior. “But La’ Mira was different. It was personal,” he says. 

Establishing a café in Hetauda came with its own set of challenges. The coffee culture in the region was still developing, and most people were accustomed to dark roast coffee. Shrestha, however, preferred medium roast and had to introduce this concept gradually. Through customer engagement and a well-structured loyalty program, he helped people appreciate the nuances of different coffee flavors. “The key wasn’t forcing people to adopt coffee culture, but rather to introduce them to it in a way that felt natural,” he says. 

Another significant challenge was the lack of mentorship. Shrestha had to learn the intricacies of running a hospitality business from scratch. From sourcing quality ingredients to managing a team and ensuring operational efficiency, he navigated these hurdles through continuous learning and adaptability. Hiring and retaining skilled staff in Hetauda proved to be difficult, as many hospitality professionals sought opportunities in larger cities or abroad. Despite these obstacles, he remained committed to his vision, focusing on in-house training and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency in service and quality.

La’ Mira stands out due to its emphasis on experience and community building. Shrestha says that they focused not just on serving great coffee but on curating a unique ambiance, a friendly environment, and an evolving menu. Alongside coffee, La’ Mira introduced innovative food items such as open momo, choila rice, and chicken chatpatey—local flavors with a modern twist. 

La’ Mira has also become a space where students come to study, professionals come to work, and friends gather to share ideas. Shrestha’s commitment to consistency and customer engagement has helped shape a new coffee culture in Hetauda—one where coffee is not just a beverage but a lifestyle choice.

“As Hetauda grows, with better schools, colleges, and hospitals, the population is expanding, and with it, the demand for a place to connect. We’ve become part of that change.

Looking ahead, Shrestha envisions La’ Mira growing beyond a single location. While expansion is a possibility, he believes in strategic and thoughtful growth rather than rapid scaling. He is considering opening another branch in a Tier-2 city where café culture is still evolving and where La’ Mira’s unique ambiance could thrive. However, his broader vision extends beyond coffee. He aims to establish La’ Mira as a lifestyle brand synonymous with quality experiences, good connections, and unforgettable moments.

To strengthen the brand, Shrestha will be launching La’ Mira Events, a venture dedicated to organizing large-scale community gatherings. Shrestha is exploring the idea of introducing specialty coffee at La’ Mira, refining the café’s offerings, and deepening connections with coffee connoisseurs. With Hetauda’s growing population, improving educational institutions, and rising number of young professionals, the demand for quality coffee and community spaces is set to increase. La’ Mira is well-positioned to be at the forefront of this evolution. “But for now, the focus remains on solidifying La’ Mira’s identity, but when the time is right, expansion will definitely be on the table,” he says.

For those looking to start their own ventures, Shrestha offers simple yet powerful advice: Stay practical, embrace failure, and understand your market. He emphasizes the importance of balancing passion with market research, as well as seeking mentorship to navigate industry-specific challenges. He believes that while setbacks are inevitable, they are also opportunities to learn and grow.

“Small businesses contribute to the local culture and identity, making each area unique. As an entrepreneur, you have the power to shape the local economy by supporting other small ventures and investing in your community. The ripple effect of supporting and growing small businesses is immense. In the long run, small businesses build a more resilient and diverse economic landscape,” he says.

Shrestha also highlights the role of small businesses in shaping local economies. By supporting and creating small businesses, entrepreneurs contribute to job creation, innovation, and community building. Through La’ Mira, he has demonstrated that a small idea, when nurtured with vision and dedication, can transform into something much larger—a symbol of connection, culture, and shared experiences.

Shrestha’s journey as an entrepreneur resembles the power of vision, resilience, and community-driven business. From digital marketing and e-commerce to hospitality and lifestyle branding, he has carved a unique path in Nepal’s entrepreneurial landscape. La’ Mira The Coffee Club is more than just a café—it is a movement redefining coffee culture in Hetauda. With a focus on authenticity, innovation, and meaningful connections, Shrestha continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, proving that success is not just about business but about the experiences one creates along the way.