Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlen Mendoza.
Hi Marlen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Amanecer Co. Coffee back in 2019 doing pop-ups and selling bottled horchata Coldbrew. Then when the pandemic hit I began delivering horchata Coldbrew around Houston for extra income.
After a couple of months of that, I finally got my bottles inside Henderson and Kane, a general store in the 6th ward,
Fast forward to now, I have done pop-ups all over Houston while selling wholesale coffee to restaurants in Austin and New York.
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?
Most small business journeys are not smooth. There are and will always be obstacles. Whether that’s financially, socially, or mentally.
The amount of work and time put into this business can definitely take a toll. Mentally life can get hard but with a supportive group of friends and mentors, each day gets a bit easier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Latinx coffee roaster, that specializes in Mexican inspired bottled beverages. I source coffee strictly from Mexico, Central America, and South America.
My beverages and style of coffee are unique to Mexican gastronomy and tradition. I am most proud of the work that has been put in to essentially decolonize the specialty coffee industry with language, taste, history, and societal hierarchies.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Amanecer Co. Coffee is now in its year three and is part of a partnership with two Houston chefs. We have combined maiz, pan dulce, and coffee into one entity and branded it as our new concept named EMA.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cafesitahtx
Image Credits
Marlen Mendoza
