Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Valdez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The journey of Amado Coffee began as a vision for a simple cold brew pop-up. Initially, I wanted to focus on Nitro cold brew and hoped to eventually upgrade to a coffee cart. As I periodically scoured Facebook Marketplace for a coffee cart, nothing seemed to pop up. So, I decided to dive in and book my first market as a pop-up table, which only required a few essentials. I bought a tent from Academy, ordered custom labels and a personalized banner, and stocked up on tables, syrups, and brewing supplies. It was a humble start, but I was eager to see it come to life.
I kept an eye out for a cart on Facebook Marketplace, and just two weeks before my first event, I got lucky. I found a turnkey coffee cart fully equipped with an espresso machine, grinder, to-go cups, and other essential supplies. It was a game-changer, transforming Amado from a cold brew pop-up into a full-fledged café on wheels. I feel incredibly blessed to have found a cart ready to roll because building one from scratch can take months of preparation, which can be stressful and full of uncertainty. My experience shows that you don’t need a long setup time to get started—just a willingness to take the leap, adapt quickly, and get your business out there.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Amado Coffee is a woman-owned mobile café based in Houston, Texas, with a mission to bring high-quality coffee experiences to the community, one cup at a time. My journey into the coffee industry began with a love for crafting delicious coffee and a desire to create a welcoming, on-the-go café experience. What started as a cold brew-only pop-up has grown into a versatile coffee cart offering everything from expertly brewed espresso drinks to customized coffee catering services for events. We cater to women-led and women-centric gatherings, aiming to bring a touch of warmth and personalization to every event.
What sets Amado Coffee apart is the genuine passion for community and connection. I prioritize engaging with customers, listening to their preferences, and creating memorable coffee experiences that resonate beyond the cup. We’re proud to not just serve coffee, but to offer a personalized touch that embodies our brand’s values. I want potential clients to know that when they choose Amado, they’re not just getting a cup of coffee; they’re supporting a local business that values relationships, quality, and authenticity.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The idea that “there’s not enough business for everyone” – I had to completely throw that belief out the window. When you’re in a niche like mobile coffee, it’s easy to feel like the market is saturated, especially when social media algorithms constantly show you other coffee carts. But the truth is, not everyone is your customer, and there’s plenty of business to go around. Amado Coffee’s unique branding helps us attract the right clientele who resonate with our mission and values. It’s not about the number of other businesses; it’s about consistently showing up, differentiating your brand, and connecting with the people who appreciate what you offer.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Instagram has been an amazing tool for us, providing not just visibility but a direct channel to potential clients. It does take a consistent effort to show up online and engage with our community, but it’s been worth it. Most of our new clients find us through social media or word-of-mouth referrals, which speaks to the power of building genuine connections both in-person and online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amadocoffee.com
- Instagram: amadocoffee_
Image Credits
Brittney Cano