We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iasia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iasia below.

Iasia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 idea for ¡Espréssate! was born from an emotional place that’s deeply personal to me. It wasn’t just a business idea—it was therapy. After losing my father, I found myself searching for ways to stay connected to him. And oddly enough, the smell of coffee became that connection. It reminded me of him, of simpler times, and it brought me a sense of peace I didn’t know I needed. I started experimenting with bottled lattes at home, a creative outlet that helped me process my grief, and soon I realized that coffee was more than just a comfort—it was a way to bring joy to others.

I didn’t have a grand vision of running a mobile coffee business at first. I just wanted to share something meaningful. So I bottled those lattes, gave them out to friends and family, and started receiving overwhelming feedback. People loved the flavors, but what surprised me most was how the experience of receiving that coffee made them feel. It wasn’t just a drink—it became a conversation starter, a way to connect. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment: coffee is more than caffeine—it’s community. It’s storytelling. It’s comfort, joy, and shared moments.

From there, I began thinking about how I could build something bigger out of that simple idea. I knew I wanted to create a mobile experience because it allowed me to connect directly with people wherever they were—whether at a wedding, a private event, or a corporate space. I wanted the business to have the same heart as those first bottles of lattes: something warm and thoughtful, but also unique. That’s when I decided to focus on Cuban-inspired drinks. My family roots and Cuban coffee culture were a perfect fit—it’s bold, it’s expressive, and it’s designed to be shared. That’s also how the name ¡Espréssate! came about. It’s a play on “espresso” and the Spanish word *exprésate*, which means “express yourself.” It captures everything I wanted this business to be: an invitation for people to slow down, connect, and express themselves over a great cup of coffee.

I knew it could work because, at its core, ¡Espréssate! solved a problem I noticed in the local coffee scene. The cafes are wonderful, but they’re static. I wanted to offer a mobile experience that could bring the coffee to people where and when they needed it most. Weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings were natural fits. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a memorable experience that adds a touch of warmth to people’s important moments.

It felt like a worthwhile endeavor because it aligned with what I love—building connections, sharing joy, and telling stories. Plus, partnering with Little Waves Coffee Roasters added an extra layer of excitement. I loved that they’re woman-forward and local to Durham, NC, and I felt that their values matched mine.

What kept me going, even in moments of doubt, was the reaction I saw on people’s faces when they tasted my coffee or interacted with the cart. Their smiles, their feedback, their genuine joy—it felt like confirmation that I was on the right path. This wasn’t just a business—it was an experience, and it mattered. And knowing I could honor my father’s memory through every cup made it even more meaningful.

Iasia, 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?

Hi Friends! My name is Iasia, and I’m the founder of ¡Espréssate!, a mobile coffee cart business based in the RDU area of North Carolina. My journey into this industry began as something deeply personal and unexpected. I didn’t come from a traditional coffee background—no barista jobs or café experience. Instead, my business grew from a place of healing and personal expression. After my father passed away, I found solace in making coffee. The familiar aroma transported me back to memories with him, and I soon realized that coffee wasn’t just a beverage—it was comfort, connection, and joy.

At first, I bottled lattes just for fun, as a way to channel my grief into something productive. But as friends and family tasted my creations, they encouraged me to do more. I started seeing the potential to turn this small passion into something bigger—a business that could combine the flavors, culture, and joy I found in coffee with meaningful experiences for others. That’s how ¡Espréssate! was born.

¡Espréssate! is not just about coffee; it’s about creating moments and encouraging connection. We specialize in Cuban-inspired coffee drinks, offering a bold and flavorful take on espresso-based beverages. In addition to lattes and espresso, we also offer chai tea for non-coffee drinkers. Whether it’s a private party, a wedding, or a corporate event, our mobile coffee cart is designed to bring people together.

There are plenty of coffee businesses out there, but what makes us different is our story, our culture, and our intention. First, we’re a woman-owned business with a deep connection to Cuban coffee traditions—something that’s not often seen in this area. We also partner with Little Waves Coffee Roasters, a local, woman-forward roaster in Durham, NC, which aligns with our values of community and collaboration. We focus heavily on creating moments, not just transactions. Our cart is designed to feel welcoming, our drinks are made with intention, and we make sure every interaction is personal. We don’t just serve coffee—we share stories. I believe that’s what leaves a lasting impression.

One of my proudest moments was seeing how far the business has come from that first bottled latte. The journey from a hobby to a full-fledged mobile coffee cart wasn’t always easy, but every smile, every repeat booking, and every word of encouragement has made it worth it. I’m also proud of the way this business keeps my father’s memory alive. Knowing that every cup we serve carries a piece of that story is incredibly meaningful to me.

On a practical level, I’m proud of how we’ve expanded our offerings and found ways to meet our customers’ needs. Whether it’s adding chai tea for non-coffee drinkers or working with corporate clients during busy seasons, I love that we can adapt while staying true to our core mission: bringing people together over a meaningful cup of coffee.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What has really helped me build a reputation for ¡Espréssate! within the RDU community boils down to a few key factors: personal connection, consistency, and intentional storytelling. From the beginning, I knew that my business needed to reflect not just good coffee, but the heart and soul behind it. Every interaction, every event, and every cup we’ve served has been an opportunity to leave people with more than just a caffeine boost—it’s about creating an experience they remember.

I’ve always believed that people buy from people they feel connected to. Early on, I focused on building genuine relationships with every customer, client, and collaborator. Whether I’m serving coffee at a wedding or chatting with someone during a corporate event, I make it a point to be present, friendly, and intentional. Those conversations help build trust, and over time, word-of-mouth became a powerful tool for us.

One thing I pride myself on is delivering a consistent experience every time—whether it’s a small backyard gathering or a large corporate event. People know they can rely on us for high-quality coffee, warm interactions, and a professional presence. I always make sure that the presentation of our cart, the drinks we serve, and the way we engage with people are aligned with our brand values.

I’ve always believed that small gestures make a big impact. Whether it’s customizing drinks to match a theme, offering a unique latte, or simply remembering a regular client’s favorite order, we try to go above and beyond for everyone we serve. I think those thoughtful touches are what people remember—and they talk about it.

These little moments also help create a sense of personal connection with the brand, which makes people feel valued and appreciated. In turn, they become our biggest advocates, spreading the word and bringing us new business through referrals.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The journey of ¡Espréssate! has been filled with pivots—some planned, many unexpected. From the very beginning, entrepreneurship has been about learning how to adapt in the face of change and challenge. In fact, the business was born during one of the most fragile times of my life. Losing my father was a deeply painful experience, and starting this business was a way for me to heal and honor his memory. But it also meant pivoting from the career I thought I’d stay in for the long haul—one I eventually resigned from to pursue ¡Espréssate! full-time. That decision wasn’t easy. Walking away from stability to follow a passion project came with fear, doubt, and risk, but deep down, I knew this business had the potential to become something meaningful.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that you can’t do it all alone. There have been seasons when my personal life was so demanding that I had no choice but to lean on trusted baristas in my community. These incredible individuals stepped in and ran events for me when I was mentally checked out, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them. Their support gave me the space I needed to focus on my well-being while keeping the business moving forward. Entrepreneurship has a way of testing you—it’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about building a network of people who believe in your vision and can step up when life gets overwhelming.

One of the most significant pivots happened when my husband and I found out we were having another baby. I knew from experience that pregnancy was going to slow me down, and as much as I didn’t want the business to lose momentum, I also had to face the reality that I couldn’t be everywhere at once. That’s when I made the decision to train my teenage daughter to be a barista and take on a bigger role within the business.

Training her wasn’t just a practical solution—it became a deeply meaningful experience. It gave us a chance to bond and allowed her to see firsthand what it takes to run a small business. Watching her grow into the role has been one of my proudest moments as a mompreneur. It also gave me the freedom to step back and focus on working behind the scenes—handling bookings, marketing, and strategy—while knowing that the business was in capable hands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://espressaterdu.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/espressate_rdu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/espressaterdu
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@espressate_rdu