Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Ortiz Despiau.
Hi Naomi , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
100×35 Cafe was born from a deep love for God, Puerto Rico, and the traditions that shaped who we are. Our name represents our island’s 100 miles by 35 miles, a reminder that no matter where life takes us, our roots and heritage stay with us.
This journey started with a desire to share a piece of Puerto Rico through coffee — not just a drink, but an experience filled with culture, memories, and connection. Inspired by our island’s flavors, we created Puerto Rican-inspired beverages like our Coquito Latte, Guava Latte, and specialty matchas that bring familiar flavors and a taste of home to every cup.
Through faith, perseverance, and the support of our community, what started as a dream has grown into a way to celebrate our culture and serve others. We believe God is the foundation of everything we do, and we are grateful for every opportunity to share our story, our heritage, and a little piece of Puerto Rico with every person we meet.
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?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one. Starting 100×35 Cafe has been a journey filled with faith, challenges, and moments where I had to remind myself why I started. Building a business from the ground up has meant learning things I never knew before, making sacrifices, investing little by little, and stepping out of my comfort zone.
There have been times of uncertainty, but through every challenge, God has continued to remind me that this dream was placed in my heart for a reason. This journey has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of trusting His timing.
What keeps me going is knowing that 100×35 Cafe is more than just coffee. It’s a way for me to honor my Puerto Rican heritage, share the flavors and memories of my culture, and create connections with people in my community. Every cup represents a piece of my story, my faith, and the place I call home.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
100×35 Cafe was born from a desire to create something that represents who I am and where I come from. As a Puerto Rican, my heritage is a huge part of my identity, and I wanted to build something that would keep those roots alive while creating new memories with others.
This brand carries my story — the sacrifices, the lessons, the faith, and the journey of stepping out and believing in something bigger than myself. It has not just been about building a business; it has been about building something meaningful that reflects my values and the community I want to serve.
The name 100×35 represents Puerto Rico, our small island with a powerful story. “El que sabe, sabe” captures that feeling of connection — the kind that does not always need an explanation. It is knowing where you come from, appreciating your roots, and recognizing the things that bring us together.
What I am most proud of is that 100×35 Cafe is authentic. It is a piece of me, created with purpose, and a reminder that our stories, our traditions, and our heritage are worth sharing.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the sense of community. I love seeing people come together, support local businesses, and create opportunities for one another. As a small business owner, I have experienced firsthand how powerful community support can be, and I am grateful to be part of a place where people are willing to show up and encourage each other.
What I like least is that, like many growing cities, sometimes it can feel like we are losing a little bit of the personal connection that makes a place feel like home. With so much growth and change, it can be easy to overlook the local stories, small businesses, and cultures that make our community unique.
I hope we continue growing while still protecting the heart of our city — the people, the diversity, and the connections that make it special.
Contact Info:
