Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Marrero.
Vanessa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Espresso Then Life started as an Instagram idea to connect people through coffee (specifically to Cuban coffee).
Once I opened up the Espresso Then Life Instagram I began to notice how crazy and obsessed people are with coffee, which I should’ve have known because coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. I basically stumbled upon the idea of opening my own Cuban coffee popup bar. I use to work in retail and also as a field marketing area manager for about 12 years. Within that field is when I started to get addicted to that perfectly sweetened Cuban coffee, and that is where I decided to make it a goal on perfecting my skills in making the best homemade Cuban coffee. I would end up buying espresso machines at every job I worked and making everyone I worked with or came across hooked. Before I could even start my shift, everyone would say “Vanessa make us that Cuban coffee first” and the rest is history from there. I was the “Cuban coffee go to girl” at every corporation I worked for.
I decided to open up an Instagram page named “Espresso Then Life” because I noticed first it was all about an “espresso”, and then we could get on with life. My goal with Espresso then Life quickly became to give Cuban coffee an American twist. Miami is full of Spanish and non-English speaking bakeries, and I always had a hard time finding the perfect Cuban coffee spot that young professionals could gather and hang out in. I wanted “ETL” to be the first Cuban-American coffee popup bar and so far, I think we are.
We are the only ones that use actual moka pots to make our coffee and not commercial espresso machines. We offer the Cuban classic “Abuelita” tasting coffee but give it that American modern feel in our branding. We pop up in many different places throughout our city, you can find us selling from our menu at Farmer’s Markets, retail locations or at different private events where we cater.
We are very excited about what the future holds for us, and look forward in helping Cuban Coffee Lovers Unite through ETL.
The words I live by when it comes to personal and business goals are “The goal isn’t to live forever, it’s to create something that will.” That’s what I strive for with Espresso Then Life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge that I have come across was actually getting started. I knew what I wanted to accomplish and what I needed to be able to kick things off with ETL.
Sometimes, just doing it is the hardest part, especially when you’re a perfectionist. My latest challenge is getting a vintage camper or airstream to convert it to an ETL coffee camper. Overcoming obstacles and challenges for me is the best part of being an entrepreneur. You have to love what you do and there’s no obstacles or challenges that will come your way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Espresso Then Life story. Tell us more about the business.
Like many people the first thing we do, once we’ve ambled out of bed, is brew our daily morning coffee. Then we go off into the world. We all live different and unique lives, some of us are musicians, who cannot help but hum throughout the day; some of us are parents, who need an extra shot of coffee to keep going; and others are exploring and figuring themselves out day by day. But no matter how different we are, coffee unites us–it moves and inspires us.
Espresso Then Life is the brainchild of coffee enthusiasts. One who not only inspires those around her with coffee, but with encouragement and wisdom. Coffee is as essential in our modern world as water. We need to have enough energy in the morning, and to keep us going throughout the day–and for the artists and musicians, it helps bring clarity and creativity.
Our founder uses the Cuban coffee experience to bring people together, while adding an American modern twist to it all. First a sip, then another, and then all matters of life flow afterwards. That’s where our namesake comes from, first an espresso then you’re ready for life.
Espresso Then Life’s mission is to remind others to not only enjoy their coffee, but life as well.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The best way to describe how the role of luck plays a role in my life is when by creating my very own “luck” and “opportunities”. We have the opportunity to create our own happiness and we are all in control of our own life.
Some people are blessed with monetary luck and and/or they are born into it. In my case I have worked hard for everything that Espresso then Life has accomplished. When people talk about ETL I want them to say it’s the one place where they enjoy the best cup of Cuban coffee they’ve ever had.
Pricing:
- “Pick Me Up Espresso” (Cuban espresso sweetened to perfection; share it or keep it all for yourself. Also known as a Colada $3.00
- “Let’s Milk It Cortado” (Espresso shot with evaporated steamed milk. Also known as “Cortadito”) $4.00
- “Ice Over My Espresso” (Chilled Cuban espresso with milk and a drizzle of chocolate & condensed milk. Also known as a “Iced cafe con leche”.) $6.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.espressothenlife.com
- Phone: 305.733.7693
- Email: hello@espressothenlife.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/espresso.then.life
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/espressothenlife
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/spressothenlife
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/espresso-then-life-miami-2
Image Credit:
juliarosephotog.com
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