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

Hi Lya , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story of Willow Tree Coffee began one day in a coffee shop. I was sitting there, simply observing, and what I saw was beautiful—people. People laughing, chatting, studying together, reading, and sipping coffee. I saw real human connection, and that moment became the spark behind Willow Tree.

From the beginning, the mission has been clear: to bring people together and build community. Whether it’s through poetry nights, book clubs in coffee shops, or neighbors reconnecting over a warm cup—Willow Tree is about creating space for meaningful connection.

While I’m deeply passionate about coffee, I’m even more passionate about people. They are the heart of Willow Tree, the true purpose behind the business, and the reason we do what we do.

Lya , 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?

Hey friends!

My name is Lya Peterson, and I started Willow Tree Coffee during my senior year of high school in 2024 at just 16 years old. I was homeschooled growing up and always had a heart for entrepreneurship. In my early teens, I launched several Etsy businesses—while those ventures didn’t quite take off, they taught me valuable lessons that helped shape the businesswoman I am today.

My journey into coffee really began when I started working at Bresnan Bread and Pastries, a beautiful bakery in downtown McKinney. I worked as a barista there for quite some time and fell in love with the craft of coffee—and more importantly, with the people I served. I discovered how meaningful it is to connect with customers, hear their stories, and simply bring a smile to their faces. That experience sparked a deep passion in me.

Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith and start Willow Tree Coffee. My goal? To bring high-quality coffee and meaningful community to people from all walks of life.

At Willow Tree, we always serve with a smile. Our drinks feature high-quality, homemade syrups, and we proudly source our beans from Runyon Coffee, a local roaster based in Coppell. Our mobile coffee cart may look simple, but what sets us apart is the heart behind it. We care deeply about the people we serve and are committed to creating memorable experiences that make someone’s day—or even their dreams—come true.

Since launching, we’ve been part of countless events: markets, bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, and so much more. Every single one is unique and special, and I’m so grateful to learn and grow through each experience.

Thanks for being part of the Willow Tree story. We can’t wait to serve you soon!

— Lya 🌿

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What truly helped me build a reputable name within my market was staying authentic, earning trust, growing meaningful connections, and consistently keeping in touch with my clients. I make it a priority to understand each client and their vision before their event—whether it’s a simple corporate gathering, a bridal shower, a wedding, or a birthday party. My goal is always to bring that vision to life.

At the heart of everything I do is the client and their needs. I work hard to be reliable, never underselling or overselling, and I’m committed to working within their budget to help make their dream a reality. I believe that reliability, trust, and authenticity are the foundation of a strong reputation.

The uniqueness of Willow Tree Coffee—especially the distinct aesthetic of our cart—has played a big role in drawing attention. Many people are drawn to us not just for our service, but also for the look and feel we bring to events.

I approach every event with competence, a positive attitude, and a deep respect for each client. I’ve found that a friendly, warm personality makes a real difference in this industry, which is so centered around networking and lasting impressions. I’m truly grateful for every client I’ve worked with—they’ve shaped my business and helped it grow.

In the end, what sets a business apart is its commitment to showing up consistently with integrity, sincerity, and heart.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ve never been the biggest fan of constantly posting on social media—mainly because I tend to forget. But ever since starting Willow Tree Coffee, I’ve grown to see just how impactful social media can be, especially in today’s world.

I began with simple vlogs and carousel posts on Instagram. Over time, I noticed a trend: people are naturally curious. And that curiosity can work in your favor. Through vlogs, storytimes, and “day in the life” videos, people started following along—not just as viewers, but as part of the journey. That’s when I realized the power of sharing authentically.

If you’re trying to build up your social media presence, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Know your target audience : Understand who you’re trying to reach and speak directly to them.

2. Be true to yourself : Don’t try to be someone you’re not—people connect with realness. Your authenticity is beautiful and powerful.

3. Be consistent : Posting once every few months just won’t cut it. Stay active so people can stay connected and engaged with you.

4. Engage with your followers : Reply to comments, ask questions, and build a genuine community.

5. Try fun strategies : I haven’t done giveaways or shoutouts yet, but I’ve seen how effective they can be for growing your reach.

In the end, social media is more than just a platform—it’s a way to invite others into your story. Don’t be afraid to share yours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willowtreecoffee.squarespace.com
• Instagram: willow.tree.coffee

Image Credits

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