Help CREMA Open Its Doors!

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and coffee has been a vital part of my life since I can remember. I developed a passion for coffee and the coffee experience early on and it ultimately led me to found CREMA back in October of 2018. 

Now living in Chicago, it started from my kitchen in a little one-bedroom apartment on the north side of the city. Since then, I have developed a full brand and coffee label and have proudly sourced high quality teas and local products to offer the community.  I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful local roaster and other small business owners. I want to continue supporting small BIPOC businesses and my immediate community. This process has put me a step closer towards the ultimate goal of opening a coffee shop.

In 2020, I signed a lease for a commercial space in the Sheridan Park area of Uptown, with the intention of getting my company to grow and in hopes of starting a positive footprint. This 700sqft space is in a 1919, landmark building. 

It has been tough for everyone. Covid-19 hit and it has been over a year of expenses and loans to cover all that is needed to open, yet the funding has not been enough.

Within this year, I have managed to do a full upgrade of the existing electrical and plumbing of the space. I also had the bathroom demolished and rebuilt in order to be compliant. 

Many people asked if my landlord picked up any part of these expenses and the short answer is NO. They rent the place “as is” and it is the business owner’s responsibility. So far, I have invested over $35,000 from architectural plans to permits and renovations. 

With a lot of work, all savings poured and credit maxed out, plus the help of my amazing family, I have gotten so close to achieving this goal. At this point, there is very little if anything to pull from— and what’s left to do is minimal in the scheme of all things that have been accomplished.

Uptown and Chicago are rich in history. Both are diverse and home to people from many different cultures and backgrounds, which is what truly makes them beautiful. I am proud to be part of this city and this neighborhood and I don’t want to give up on this dream. 

I want to continue carrying my culture and puertorriqueñidad and make sure they are present in the experiences shared at CREMA. My wish is to open this shop so that my neighbors have a place where everyone feels welcome— a place where amazing coffee, tea and snacks are served with love, where great service is combined with affordability within a comfortable, no-judgement, safe space.

Friends suggested I reach out for help, which has always been difficult for me. Any help does make a difference. Every donation really matters. Even a mention or share helps!

The funds raised will help with the additional (unexpected) electrical work needed as well as any last details before opening (furniture, final installation of equipment, and additional permits/licensing). 

I am so thankful for my family, friends, neighbors, and customers who have supported me during this tough year. I want to make you all happy and proud, and I would be nowhere without your love and support. 

I still need help to cross this final hurdle and create a space within our community that will continue to bring light and joy to the neighborhood. 

You can learn more about CREMA and browse what it offers by visiting https://www.shopcrema.com/

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