Daily Inspiration: Meet Laura Marino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Marino.

Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Five years ago we moved from Italy to Houston for my husband’s job. I was an art history teacher in high school, when we moved to the US, my English was poor so I signed up for an English course and thought that working as a waitress could help me learn the language. I worked in an Italian restaurant and then in a coffee shop, where my passion for coffee developed.

As an Italian, I knew how to prepare espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato but I discovered that the world of American coffee is much more complex and varied than the Italian one.

So after a few years of practice at the Fellini café in the city center, I decided to open a small mobile café. The name of the shop is ella coffee. Ella in Italian means she. My little coffee shop is also a small art gallery on wheels. Art is part of my life, I like having art around me.

The products I use to make the drinks are local: locally roasted coffee, local products and artisanal syrups.

We support small local producers where we buy sweets and fresh fruit juices.

In addition to the classic menu, we have a seasonal menu with specialty coffees that we call after my customers’ dogs. We love the animals that can be found on the fresh water and the delicacies of ella coffee.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We got an accident and we lost everything. Friends support us and so we decide to come back as soon as possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m so proud of my barista Raina. She is part of this business, she is the soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: ellacoffeetx.com
• Instagram: @ellacoffeetx
• Facebook: ellacoffeetx