I grew up in Perris, California, in a Mexican-American family of entrepreneurs. My parents built their businesses from nothing, but as immigrants, they were often afraid to navigate legal and financial systems. My dad once had a coffee business, but without guidance or resources, he lost it — and we lost everything. That experience left a mark on me: passion alone isn’t enough. Years later, after my daughter was born and her father left, I hit my own rock bottom. I could have folded — but I didn’t. I chose coffee, determined to rebuild what was lost, this time with education, structure, and accountability. I started with cold brew, one client at a time, saving enough to buy a roaster, all while raising a three-month-old and learning everything I didn’t have access to the first time around.
After four years of running a wholesale coffee business, I’m now shifting to owning my first coffee shop. I’ve supported small coffee shops through their journeys, but I kept asking myself: why haven’t I opened my own? That question pushed me to step into ownership — this time, with a specialty coffee focus, intentional education, and a community-centered approach. My goal is to build a hub where aspiring coffee entrepreneurs, especially women and Latinas, can gain the education, mentorship, and resources I didn’t have growing up. I want this coffee shop to be not only my dream realized but also a place where others feel seen, inspired, and empowered to pursue their own coffee journeys.
Recently, I was selected as a top 3 applicant for a scholarship to attend an event and courses in New York. The event and courses are covered, but the travel and hotel costs are coming out of my pocket, which I simply can’t afford right now. This opportunity means so much to me — not just for my own growth, but for what I can bring back to my community and my business. Your support will help me continue building a better future for my daughter and for others who need to see that it’s possible to rise after setbacks. Any contribution, big or small, means the world to us. Thank you for believing in me and in the power of second chances.
After four years of running a wholesale coffee business, I’m now shifting to owning my first coffee shop. I’ve supported small coffee shops through their journeys, but I kept asking myself: why haven’t I opened my own? That question pushed me to step into ownership — this time, with a specialty coffee focus, intentional education, and a community-centered approach. My goal is to build a hub where aspiring coffee entrepreneurs, especially women and Latinas, can gain the education, mentorship, and resources I didn’t have growing up. I want this coffee shop to be not only my dream realized but also a place where others feel seen, inspired, and empowered to pursue their own coffee journeys.
Recently, I was selected as a top 3 applicant for a scholarship to attend an event and courses in New York. The event and courses are covered, but the travel and hotel costs are coming out of my pocket, which I simply can’t afford right now. This opportunity means so much to me — not just for my own growth, but for what I can bring back to my community and my business. Your support will help me continue building a better future for my daughter and for others who need to see that it’s possible to rise after setbacks. Any contribution, big or small, means the world to us. Thank you for believing in me and in the power of second chances.
Organizer
