We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Miranda a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I have been a barista for 5+ years and I really enjoy making coffee-related drinks. I wanted a way to share my passion with people from my community while also helping people in my community. A year ago, I decided to plan and coordinate a drink pop-up where all funds raised would benefit a non-profit organization in Texas called Raíces. We raised close to $800 by just selling some really freaking great drinks. Fast forward to today, we just had our 6th event and have raised over $5K for different organizations, mutual aid funds, and programs that truly focus on helping our communities.

Laura, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well, howdy y’all! *insert cowboy emoji*

I first started my career in coffee after I decided to focus on finishing my education. I really did not like coffee at the time, but a new coffee shop was opening in my area, and I decided to just apply in hopes that it would be accommodating to my school schedule. I wasn’t expecting to love my job so much. A big shout-out to my trainer and mentor, Sergio Garcia, for helping me appreciate coffee and those that have helped cultivate it.

Switching to a barista job helped me open my mind to different perspectives. I am truly grateful to have met so many different people. I don’t think I would have ever thought about ways in which I could help my community if I did not become a barista.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Just giving back to my community. Unfortunately, there are communities that are underserved and don’t have the same opportunities as other communities. I want to be able to help in some way. No matter how small.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Recently, I had to remind myself that I am just one person trying to make a difference. I see bigger companies, restaurants, etc. raising more money and it discourages me. Not setting expectations is so important because not every event will pull in the same amount of people. Unlearning that has helped me a lot with my mental health and understanding that my self-worth is not in the numbers that show up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @parkingvalidator

Image Credits
First photo: Diana Hernandez