Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Vila
Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2010, I earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Florida International University. I then went on to complete my master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Barry University in 2013.
I worked 12 years serving children, adolescents and adults with disabilities. First, as a special education teacher in the private school setting and then as a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Working in the field with young adults on the spectrum, I realized the enormous need for employment and training opportunities for adults with disabilities in Miami. This inspired my idea for Our Grounds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening, Our Grounds, was not smooth sailing from the start. Starting a small non profit coffee shop with minimal funding presented some obstacles. Once we were finally able to get the doors open, 6 months later, the pandemic began. Thankfully, with all challenges we have overcome, we have learned from our experiences. Growing pains are never easy, but it makes us appreciate our success even more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our Grounds is a non profit coffee shop that provides employment opportunities to adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. At Our Grounds, we not only serve the delicious coffee and food items, we also promote kindness and inclusion. We strive to be a place our community members can gather and feel welcomed.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
We have had so much support from our local community members and regulars. People can support in so many ways such as; spreading the word, donating to our cause and buying cups of coffee. However, the biggest support has been my husband, Eric Huertas. When I decided to take on this venture and quit my salaried job, he did not hesitate to step up and support. He not only helped financially, but used his restaurant expertise, as owner of his own restaurnat Local Pie, to help guide our coffee shop to be the success it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourgrounds.org
- Instagram: @ourgroundscoffee
Image Credits
@bytati.photography
