Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Perez
Hi Lauren, 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?
You can say I am American-born, made with Cuban parts. My roots are evident at Colada Joe.
Our name is our familia. Colada Joe originates from our core, (Co)nnie, (La)uren, (Da)niel and Jose; aka Joe. It is an acronym for our names put together that my father came up with soon after my brother was born. It’s even on a medallion that he made for my mother. Along with the acronym, it also insinuates coffee in both Spanish and English, bringing Spanglish to life and the core of our Cuban American culture.
The Perezes have a history of family travels for over 20 years, which we are beyond grateful for. We have loved adventuring into the mountains and setting off on hikes to experience the beauty that is the United States and its National Parks. A tradition that I hope to continue with my own family.
It was during one of these trips that my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in, as we passed a tiny coffee shop, or hut, really, on a lonely highway near Canon Beach, Oregon, in July of 2011. We recall a “¿Qué qué?” moment when we spotted the quaint little shop. Believe it or not, that was my epiphany to start my own business. Fast forward almost 10 years later, Colada Joe was born during Covid. A growing dream turning reality – to share our cafecito in the most unique and meaningful places.
One day, I hope to drive down that Oregon road and see that little coffee shop again. It would be a full circle moment to show my future family and say, “Niños, miren pa’ allá, look over there! That’s how Colada Joe was born.
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?
I don’t believe any dream worth living is smooth sailing. Does it make it less worthwhile? Absolutely not. If anything, it makes the accomplishments that much more rewarding.
I would say one of our biggest obstacles can be our social media reach. Social media is a whole beast in of itself. With social media trends ever changing, it can be hard to keep up, especially if it is not your strong suit. I will admit…it is not my strong suit.
However, I continue to take this challenge head on. The life of an entrepreneur is all about learning as you go and adapting to the learning curves. “Fake it til you make it”, right?
Wearing all the hats in a small business can be overwhelming yet educational. I have learned a lot about the social media world and continue to do so as I currently produce my own content.
As you know, we’re big fans of Colada Joe. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Colada Joe was born from the desire to bring people together through the passion of my Cuban American Culture, bringing Spanglish to life, and the belief in offering an authentic experience where everyone can feel like familia. Some of my fondest memories are with my Abuela/family always starting or ending our gatherings with a café con leche or cafecito. This feeling of “home” or always being well taken care of is one that I wish to share with everyone who takes a sip of Colada Joe.
We are currently selling an original blend, which is a 12oz ground dark roast, e-commerce or at pop-ups. Our Florida-Local roaster was match made, as they are from Cuban descent and even share the same last name! What’s to come for our brand? The whole bean version of our original blend, as well as a lighter roast. We look forward to having the opportunity to put these on shelves, too.
Colada Joe is headed into everyone’s homes, or at least that is the goal! I want our coffee to be a part of everyone’s day to day life – a creation of a core memory. Whether that be them brewing in their own homes, tasting at our events, or maybe even a future brick and mortar. An experience, that is what I strive for this brand to be.
I used to think that the moment Colada Joe was officially trademarked and registered back in 2019 was one of the proudest moments for the brand, let alone my life. Fast forward three long but fast years later, Colada Joe launched. The turnout from our launch day is a feeling I will never forget. The support and the excitement built around my brand has truly been a blessing and an incredible feeling. The feedback I am getting about the taste of the coffee and the branding makes me feel so accomplished and like all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it. Launch day has definitely been my proudest moment thus far. I have worked so hard to get here, and I cannot wait to reach my next proudest moment. I can only imagine what is to come!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Ask anyone I know, they will tell you that I am most definitely a risk taker. Sometimes I think they might feel like my ideas may be a bit “delulu”, but at the end of the day I have my family and friend’s support. Colada Joe, thankfully, is one dream that was fully supported and continues to be.
I have always been one to feel that taking risks is the best way to go outside of your comfort zone, and challenges you to embrace change. Now, not all risks pan out positively. Even when they don’t, those can be pivotal moments that can lead you to your next big thing. By learning from your mistakes, you change your outcomes and opportunities; reducing fear and strengthening your confidence. It’s like they say, “every ‘no’ means you’re one step closer to your ‘yes’”.
I am evolving alongside Colada Joe. My ideas of what my business can be or want it to be has changed so much since I first started. My biggest risk was leaving my full time work in hospitality to focus fully on this dream of mine. I knew that being unhappy in the career I was in was not going to lead me any closer to where I wanted to be in life.
It can be an intimidating and competitive world for an entrepreneur. I am proud of how far I have come and continue to take this leap of faith no matter how long it takes to get to the top.
Pricing:
- Colada Joe Original Blend -12oz Ground $13
- Free Local Pick-up/Drop off option
- Whole Bean 12oz option of our Original Blend coming soon!
- Working on a Light Roast for the future
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coladajoecafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coladajoe/profilecard/?igsh=MWZyN3BwajhsZW14dg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18LXGD93mH/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coladajoe?_t=8rjK7epaD4Y&_r=1
Image Credits
305 day photos – Mimi Iannini Olaya @mimiiannini
Coffee bag photo/mother’s day event with the white room decor – Andrea Torres @andreatorresphoto
