Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Valdez
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Amado Coffee was born from a passion to connect the people of Houston through delightful coffee experiences. For years, I dreamed of starting a coffee business but didn’t know where to begin. Then, I stumbled upon a coffee cart for sale on Facebook Marketplace, complete with an espresso machine, grinder, and all the necessary supplies. It felt like a sign, so I took the leap and bought it. We started popping up at local markets and soon expanded into catering for private parties, weddings, and corporate events.
Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered that the heart of Houston beats strongest through its small businesses and local coffee carts. We support each other, creating a community full of amazing people on similar paths.
Recently, Amado unveiled a fresh rebrand to stand out in the coffee industry. We continue to cater to our loyal crowd but with a new focus on women-led events. Our goal is to be recognized as the woman-owned coffee cart that brings class and sophistication to women’s gatherings, all while serving delicious lattes. We celebrate and support communities that champion women-owned businesses, making every espresso shot a memorable experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a small business is an adventure. I launched Amado Coffee in September 2023 while still working my 9-5 job. Most weeks, I work on Amado before or after my day job and handle booked caterings on the weekends. If you had told me a year ago that I’d be doing this, I wouldn’t have believed it. I used to doubt my ability to work this hard or solve the challenges I’ve faced, but I’ve proven myself wrong.
Some of the biggest hurdles have been mental — thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t know how,” or “I’m not succeeding as quickly as others” would fill my mind. But I’ve learned that everything is “figureoutable.” The key lessons I’ve embraced are to never hesitate to ask for help and to keep showing up, no matter what. This journey has shown me that perseverance and community support are at the heart of Amado Coffee.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Amado Coffee is a dynamic coffee company specializing in coffee catering with our mobile coffee cart. We offer gourmet hot and iced lattes, enhanced with special additions such as featured flavors, custom labels, and even espresso martinis upon request. Our diverse clientele includes podcast networking events, baptisms, weddings, and corporate gatherings—truly, we cater to all.
Our clients are those who appreciate the finer details for their events and aim to elevate their experience with a coffee bar that serves coffee just the way they like it. This dedication to customization and quality is why they choose us.
I’m most proud that Amado continues to deliver exceptional coffee with an elevated and personal touch. As a woman-owned business, we aim to make our brand meaningful, not just for our clients’ events but for the whole Houston community.
What are your plans for the future?
We recently rebranded to ensure our brand aligns more closely with our mission, which you’ll see that we attached. This year, we are thrilled to continue serving both new and returning clients. Additionally, we are expanding our offerings by adding premium coffee beans to our website, allowing you to enjoy the Amado experience in your own home. We aspire to be a part of your special events and daily rituals, enhancing every moment with our exquisite coffee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amadocoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadocoffee_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amado.coffee.co
Image Credits
Brittney Cano
