Little Russia Bistro and Cafe closed on Oct. 1, but co-owner Tatyana Koshevaya isn’t giving up on Federal Way.

In fact, the cafe’s closure means this Russian refugee can focus on what she does best: helping immigrants and sharing culture.

Little Russia opened last March near Secoma Lanes in Federal Way. Food service was fun but hard work, Koshevaya said. While the cafe attracted a steady stream of customers, it was hard to turn a profit with the kitchen costs. The cafe also siphoned time away from her consulting business, which is her true passion.

Little Russia went beyond food to host local art and cultural events such as tea tastings. That cultural mission will remain as Koshevaya changes course.

Koshevaya moved to the U.S. nearly 22 years ago, earned a college degree and became an advocate for immigrants. Today, she runs TK Consulting Services, whose headquarters have recently relocated from University Place to Federal Way.

Koshevaya works as an interpreter and liaison who helps with mortgages, business loans, credit applications, career development and more. Her customers include Russians, Ukrainians and Hispanics.

Koshevaya’s goal with consulting is to remove barriers for immigrants so that they can succeed.

As for the former Little Russia cafe, she is considering options such as a Russian-English bookstore with a scaled-down bistro that serves piroshkys and tea.

“I really admire America and its free enterprise system when it comes to small businesses,” she said, thanking customers who sampled what the cafe had to offer. “To be able to teach Russian culture, I just feel good about that.”

Learn more

• To learn more about TK Consulting Services, visit tkconsultingservices.com or call (253) 223-1355.

• Tatyana Koshevaya offered her insight for a July report on suburban poverty. “When I started to learn more English and went to college, I started getting other jobs,” she told The Mirror. “It’s a legitimate barrier for immigrants.” Click here to read more.