Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Arana.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from El Paso but I moved around a lot as a kid because my dad was in the military. I spent my high school years in Japan which is where I discovered my love for culinary arts and hospitality. I moved to Houston in 2010 to attend the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hospitality at the University of Houston. After college, I managed several boutique hotels’ food and beverage programs and fine dining restaurants in Dallas, Houston and Galveston. I worked with some really great brands and learned so much about the industry, my leadership style and how to run a profitable business. My ultimate goal was to be in business for myself and I knew I wanted it to be a café so in 2019 I became the General Manager of one of the busiest specialty coffee shops in Houston, Boomtown Coffee in the Heights. I loved that café and my employees so much and it only solidified that this was the right segment of food and beverage for me.
In 2020, I was laid off and I knew this was the time to reset and plan how I was going to make my dream a reality. As a result of the pandemic, I like so many of us now understand how integral hospitality workers are to our communities and local economy. Everything has brought me to this moment and I don’t take any opportunity or relationship for granted. I look forward to serving my community and helping my team fulfill their dreams.
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?
As a woman of color (even in this era of hospitality) you will be underestimated and will have to prove yourself to your male counterparts while earning the respect of your team. It is a very fine line to walk.
Personally, I strive to be vulnerable and fair with my team so that they feel safe to speak to me candidly but still command a room when you are dealing with a packed dining room and execute to the highest standard.
My obstacles have taught me so much and I am a better leader and business owner because of them. My hope is that others leaders and business owners that have seen this shift in our industry will make it a better place to work for the next generation of hospitality workers because it is definitely time for change.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Las Perras Cafe?
Las Perras Cafe is the first Latina-Owned Specialty Coffee Shop and Roastery in Houston, Texas. We partner with other women of color-owned businesses to create a pillar in our community that will help other small business thrive. Our menu is inspired by international street food.
My mission is to make good coffee and food for women of color to inspire strength, belonging, and love.
I am driven by my love of coffee and my community. I aim to be collaborative, creative and innovative and will maintain my integrity by putting people first.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If you have a business that you think would be a good fit at Las Perras Cafe or if you are interested in supporting us by buying some coffee or merchandise you can email me at andrea@lasperrascoffee.com or follow me on Instagram @lasperrascafe.
Contact Info:
- Email: andrea@lasperrascoffee.com
- Instagram: @lasperrascafe
Image Credits
Francisco Enriquez (sandwich photo)
