We recently connected with Celina Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.
Celina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Here’s a revised version of your message:
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Yes, I am happy and proud to be a business owner. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies—while I’m my own boss, it can be incredibly challenging at times. There’s a funny saying that goes, “I traded my 40-hour week for a 100-hour week,” and it’s true! The hours can be endless, working from morning to evening, around the clock. But even with all the hard work, there’s still so much joy in it. The best part is that I’m able to be present for my family, which is something I cherish.
Being a business owner has opened my eyes to opportunities I never even considered before. I see things differently now, and the possibilities are endless. As for my old career, yes, I think about it from time to time. I was, or I should say, I am a dental assistant. After 20 years in the field, I feel that part of my career is complete. I have no plans to return to the dental profession. Life, however, can take us down many paths, so I won’t say “never,” but for now, I am done with that chapter of my life.
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Celina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Here’s an updated version of your message:
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The journey to owning a coffee shop was nothing short of spontaneous! One day, I thought, “Hey, let’s buy a coffee shop,” and two days later, that’s exactly what happened. I dove into the world of business ownership and became a barista with zero experience. All I knew was that I loved coffee and coffee shops. So from day one, it’s been a self-taught journey, picking up a few tips here and there, but mostly just diving in headfirst.
Our coffee shop has become a hub for our community. It’s a gathering place, an outlet, and a space where people can find what they need, whether it’s a creative environment, a quiet spot to reflect, or just a place to relax. We pride ourselves on being there for our humble community, offering a place where everyone feels welcome. If you come in enough times, we’ll know you by name—or at least by your drink order (LOL).
The CoffeeHaus is more than just a coffee shop; it’s also a space for small businesses. Let me explain how. We offer vendor shelves for entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and products. We host monthly markets with small business vendors, and my fellow partner coordinator is also a small business owner herself. Plus, our coffee roaster is a local coffee shop owner. As you can see, The CoffeeHaus is all about supporting community and fellow small business owners.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for growing a business—it’s a love/hate relationship, but when used right, it’s a game changer. My best advice? Engagement. Connect with your audience, be authentic, and show up as your true self. The person they see online should be the same person they meet in real life. Consistency is key—show up every day, share your journey, and build real relationships. People don’t just follow brands; they follow people. Be real, be relatable, and most importantly, be you.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
“Our coffee shop is nestled in a small community just outside of San Antonio, TX, where many locals traditionally wait until they’re in the city to grab their coffee. But now, we’re seeing customers from the big city making the trip to visit our small-town CoffeeHaus—and that’s such a humbling experience. It’s a reminder that passion, quality, and authenticity can compete with even the biggest names. Every day, I show up with resilience, reminding myself that we are just as worthy, just as special, and just as capable as any big-city coffee shop. It’s not about the size of the business, but the heart behind it.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somersetcoffeehaus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somersetcoffeehaus
