Today we’d like to introduce you to Selina Alvarez.
Hi Selina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Her Coffee started from two things that came naturally to me: learning the art of espresso and realizing that hosting has always been my love language.
One day, I came across a pop-up coffee concept and thought — why wait for a brick-and-mortar someday to start bringing people together over coffee and matcha? That moment completely shifted my perspective. I realized I could create the experience now.
I genuinely love meeting people, hearing their stories, and creating spaces that feel warm and welcoming. Building Her Coffee became a reflection of everything I love most: hospitality, creativity, community, and creating meaningful moments over a beautiful cup of coffee or matcha.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first decided to go for it, I honestly didn’t have a real plan — which is very unlike me. I’m usually someone who loves structure, vision boards, and knowing exactly where I’m headed. But with Her Coffee, I just had this feeling that I needed to try. I wanted to see if people would actually show up for something built around connection, coffee, and community… and they did.
That’s when I told myself: okay, I’m going all in. My first goal was simple — sell 500 coffees.
Over the next 30 days, I immersed myself in building the business from the ground up. I researched how to properly set up a business, brainstormed marketing ideas, knocked on doors to build relationships and collaborations, and learned through trial and error what worked and what didn’t. At the same time, we were figuring out our flow and operations, building a team, and learning how to execute events smoothly while keeping the experience warm and intentional.
I’d say one of the biggest challenges was constantly playing catch-up with the demand and opportunities coming our way. We wanted to collaborate with everyone while also making sure we were truly prepared to take on each event and execute it with excellence.
I’m proud to say we got there — and even now, we continue striving to elevate every experience, every pop-up, and every cup we serve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of Her Coffee, I work full-time as a Cost Engineer at an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction company with a global and diverse portfolio, where we help bring large-scale projects to life around the world. I’m incredibly proud to be part of work that contributes to building a better world through major, complex projects that require innovation, collaboration, and precision.
That side of my career really grounds me. It allows me to use the more analytical side of my brain — problem solving, working with numbers, thinking logically, and managing complexity at a high level.
What’s interesting is that those same skills have translated so naturally into building Her Coffee. While the business gives me a creative outlet through branding, hospitality, and community-building, my engineering background helps me think strategically about operations, systems, growth, and execution.
In a way, Her Coffee became the perfect balance of both sides of who I am — analytical and creative, structured and expressive.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My faith is a very big part of who I am, and the Bible is truly my everyday source of guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. It keeps me grounded through every season — both personally and professionally — and reminds me to lead with purpose, gratitude, and excellence in everything I do.
At the same time, my calendar is my lifeline. Between balancing a full-time engineering career, running Her Coffee, events, collaborations, and personal life, staying organized is essential. My Calendar app helps me stay ahead, plan intentionally, and make space for all the moving pieces that come with building a business while still being present in my everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hercoffeehouston.square.site/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hercoffee.houston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Her-Coffee-61574978434656/
Image Credits
Kimberly Tristan
