Vlněna is the ideal environment for a longevity bar, says café owner and coach
When you come to Clubco, sooner or later, it will probably lead you to the bar of the Elixiir café. At this spot, which is celebrating its first birthday in Vlněna, you can enjoy not only coffee or a small snack, but also “elixirs” full of vitamins and other substances that support a healthier and longer life. The concept was created by Petra Svobodová, who decided to combine her passion for a healthy lifestyle with business.
“I have always spent a lot of time at work, but also because I simply enjoy it. Many years ago, I started doing a lot of sports for physical and mental compensation and generally taking an interest in my body. I like to pass on what I discover myself. Whether it is personal development techniques, tips for a healthier and longer life, or sharing travel experiences,” says Petra Svobodová at the beginning. You can recognize her lifestyle just by looking at her, as you can often meet her in a sports outfit, with a yoga mat under her arm, or perhaps while running with other members of the local community.
From corporate to own business
She spent eight years in various management positions at O2, and since 2023 she has been COO at Lokal Bakers and also works as a freelance coach and mentor. It was while working with clients that the idea for the next business direction was born in her head. “I coached entrepreneurs and leadership management as well as nutrition. I found that more than 80 % of my clients were dealing with two problems – a lack of protein and time to prepare nutritious meal. I wanted to open a protein bar. But as I continued to educate myself and test other gadgets from biohacking, my business plan began to expand. I also wanted to bring knowledge and products from the field of longevity to people,” she recalls.
When the opportunity arose to open a café right in Clubcu, she didn’t hesitate. “It was the kind of coincidence that doesn’t exist,” she laughs. “Initially, I was interested in the premises for the Lokal Bakers artisan pastry shop. In the end, I agreed to run a café here. I had been dreaming about a café since I was a teenager. Vlněna is the ideal environment for such a project. It is full of young, ambitious people who take care of their health. They are no strangers to the field of longevity. And so Elixiir was born.“
A toast to health and many more years
Elixiir is based on a combination of classic and innovative elements. As Petra says, it is not only a café, but also a longevity bar. Customers come here mainly for coffee from the MOTMOT, a local roaster. Homemade cookies from Amici are also popular. Various food supplements or herbal and vitamin drinks, which gave the café its name, are also available here.
“In July, we also came up with special health drinks. Interest in them is still growing, we have received excellent feedback so far. People like that it looks like cocktails – you drink from champagne glasses, but instead of alcohol, you drink a collagen drink, which will definitely be more beneficial for your skin.”
During the working day, she recommends raspberry elixir, which contains herbs to support mental performance and cognitive functions. Elixiir is a great place to go for something to drink even after training, whether in the gym next door, or maybe after running or cycling. With the change of season comes a change in the offer. In autumn and winter they prepare ceremonial cocoa or drinks with ginger and turmeric.
And before that, we would like to invite you to a celebration! To mark the anniversary of Elixiir’s existence, they are planning a birthday week, from 8th to 12th September. “Every day we will offer customers something interesting and we will end it with a celebration with small catering, a toast and a mini-lecture Tips for everyday biohacking in the city,” Petra invites.
The joys and challenges of running a café
She enjoys the dynamism of the café business and the opportunity to respond quickly to trends in gastronomy and healthy lifestyle. “I see it as a segment with great potential for innovation – from products that support health and performance to experiential service and brand building. There is also a positive aspect of personal contact with customers, which allows for immediate validation of new ideas and the creation of a community that will identify with the concept over the long term.”
The biggest challenge for her is managing growth. “I would like to expand Elixiir to places where it will be more accessible to other residents of Brno and its visitors. I also want to include services related to longevity in the concept, such as various workshops, coaching, or even red light therapy, which I personally really like. I realize that in the café business it is not enough to just have a great product, but it is necessary to constantly work on the team and to ensure that the concept develops and not losing its energy. The café has really advanced my career. I’ve learned a lot over the past year.”
A guide on the way to life satisfaction
In addition to the café, Petra continues to devote herself to coaching and mentoring. “Coaching helps me, for example, in Elixiir’s long-term plans. Sometimes I also use it in my work with the team or customers – when you answer certain questions, information becomes knowledge, and then skill through training.”
Clients come with a variety of issues – from management skills to limits in business to the searching for deeper meaning in career and life. “Work and personal life cannot be separated, even though we often want to. Clients open up with me about unprocessed traumas or family relationships,” she says. “In general, I recommend people to work on life satisfaction, and I see the recommendations that longevity is based on as a beautiful journey. These include conscious activities in the areas of movement, eating, sleep, social life, time for yourself and activities that make us happy, the meaning of life, personal development, and nowadays I like to add a controlled digital detox.”
Brno “městenec”
When we asked about Brno’s gastro scene, she lights up. “I love it here. I’m always trying out new places, dishes and concepts. As a lover of Asian cuisine, I recommend Little Saigon, Domovina or Ca Phe Co. From the cafes, I’d pick Maybe Coffee, Rotatoria or Šílený Myšák… I am a happy Brno resident – I call myself a městenec, a patriot of my city,” she concludes with a smile. I am a happy Brno resident – I call myself a “městenec”, a patriot of the city,” she concludes with a smile.
