Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Parshikova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Victoria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
For a small business like mine, “support” is more than financial—it’s the intangible strength of community. Starting my mobile coffee cart didn’t require a huge monetary investment, but it has relied heavily on the unwavering encouragement of my friends in Dallas, who continue to share my story and help spread the word. Their support has been invaluable and reminds me how essential relationships are to entrepreneurial success.
After 13 years in Dallas, I’ve learned this city thrives on genuine connection. A great business idea alone isn’t enough—you need to invest time in building trust within your community. I’ve seen incredible concepts falter because they lacked that foundation. Here, success doesn’t come from opening a charming shop and hoping for the best; it’s about creating meaningful relationships.
That’s why I took my time before launching my business. I wanted to build a solid support system—one that I knew would be critical to the long-term success of MVP Coffee Co. Once that foundation was in place, I felt the responsibility to honor the faith people had put in me by delivering exceptional professionalism and work ethic. For me, that’s the cycle of support: it begins with connection, grows with trust, and solidifies with action.
Dallas has taught me that support is a two-way street. It’s about creating relationships where everyone benefits—whether it’s through meaningful connections, shared successes, or even something as simple as a smile and a great cup of coffee.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for coffee, and that passion started back in college. Coffee shops were my go-to spots for studying, reading, and, of course, indulging in rich, strong espresso drinks—I could never settle for regular drip coffee. Beyond the drinks, coffee shops became places of connection. I loved chatting with baristas, asking them endless questions, and meeting interesting people from all kinds of backgrounds. Those conversations and experiences inspired me and stayed with me over the years.
When I decided to start a business, I knew it had to be centered around coffee—it’s universal, creative, and brings people together. That’s how MVP Coffee Co. came to life. As a mobile coffee cart, we have the flexibility to serve coffee wherever people gather—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a community celebration. What I love about this concept is that it’s not limited to one location or industry. Coffee is a constant in people’s lives, and being able to connect with them through it is incredibly fulfilling.
For me, MVP Coffee Co. is more than a business. It’s a blend of the three things I value most: coffee, art, and culture. Every cup we serve represents a moment of connection and creativity, and I’m proud to share that with our clients and community.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Over the years, I’ve had many business ideas, but I always made it a point to run them by family and friends first to gauge their initial reactions. Our loved ones often have our best interests at heart, and their honest feedback can be invaluable in determining if you’re on the right track. Of course, reaching this mindset takes time and wisdom—there were definitely moments of frustration early on when I thought, “You guys just don’t get it!”
When I came up with the idea for a mobile coffee cart, the first person I shared it with was my mom. As a business owner herself, I knew she’d give me the unfiltered truth, and she can “keep it 100%” like no one else. Thankfully, she loved the idea without hesitation, which gave me the confidence to move forward knowing my family was fully on board.
Before presenting the idea, I took the time to assess my strengths and weaknesses, what I could realistically handle, and what the financial risks were. My business degrees proved incredibly helpful as I built a business plan, calculated initial expenses, and figured out how long it would take to break even. Given the size of the business, I was able to fund it entirely with my savings—no loans or outside funding required. I’m sure financial advisors might have their opinions on this approach, but it worked for me.
I also have a full-time job, which provides a financial safety net for any unexpected expenses and allows the business to grow at its own pace. For me, this is a marathon, not a sprint. The ultimate goal is to transition into being a full-time business owner when the time is right, but for now, I’m proud to see MVP Coffee Co. growing steadily and sustainably.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience has been a constant theme throughout my journey, from immigrating to the U.S. to starting a business and managing it entirely on my own without any family nearby. Each step has required immense mental strength, determination, and an unwavering belief in myself. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges—it’s about reframing them. I’ve always tried to see the glass as half full, reminding myself that every challenge is temporary and that setbacks can often be opportunities in disguise.
For example, when my business experiences slower periods, I don’t see it as a setback but as an opportunity to reflect and improve. Those moments give me the chance to ask, “What can I do better? How can I grow?” I’ve found that resilience isn’t just about pushing through the difficult times—it’s about using them as steppingstones to become stronger, more creative, and more prepared for what’s ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mvpcoffeedallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvpcoffee
Image Credits
Ellen Yang