Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders 337: Founder Friday w/ Diana Martinez of Cafe Calle, Los Angeles
Diana Martinez is one of those people that I am thrilled to see find success in coffee. She had a dream to open a coffee shop and consistently pursued knowledge and experience right out of the gate by working at a roastery and coffee shop then setting up a table on a sidewalk in her neighborhood to serve good coffee to those who did not have access to it. Today she has a brand new brick and mortar shop and the loyal support of her community. I dod not come easy though and that is what today's conversation is all about.
In this Founder Friday we will get to hear details of Diana's journey into coffee entrepreneurship, the challenges, lessons, opportunities, and mission that drives her to continue to build this dream. Not just for herself but for her culture and her community.
I know you will be inspired by this one!
We cover:
- How the dream began during COVID
- Gaining experience and taking the first step
- Starting on the sidewalk to serve the underserved
- Getting a loyal following and the role of social media
- Lessons learned in catering
- BET Awards and other opportunities
- When things got real
- How getting in "trouble" led to a brick and mortar
- Realities of finding and building a space
- Community reception
- Advice to other entrepreneurs
Links:
Instagram @cafecalle
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284 : Founder Friday! w. Jackie Nguyen of Cafe Cà Phê | Kansas City, MO
187 : A Conversation with Nikki Outlaw of Anecho Coffee
097 : Founder Friday w/ Erica Escalante of The Arrow Coffeehouse
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