Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to YIL GONZALEZ. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, YIL thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.

My journey started a long time ago. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, surrounded by the lush greenery of coffee farms. My grandparents owned one, and from a young age, I was enchanted by the aroma, and the culture, and I was familiar with all the economic struggles of owning a coffee business. It was more than just a beverage; it was a way of life and a way to sustain a whole family.

So when I stumbled upon this problem in the Specialty Coffee Industry, it was like everything came full circle. Suddenly, I realized I had the perfect blend of passion and purpose to tackle it head-on. It wasn’t just about filling a gap in the market; it was about honoring my roots, and my grandparents and sharing amazing coffee that was sustainably sourced.

For me it was more than the product, it was the idea of making real change in the industry, one coffee at a time, one farm at a time, and one cup at a time.

What got me excited wasn’t just the idea of fixing it, but doing it differently. I wanted to offer more than a product; I wanted to create an experience, something truly unique and meaningful. And the more I looked into it, the more I realized there was a real need, a hunger for what I could offer.

There were doubts and challenges along the way, but that passion and purpose kept me going. It wasn’t just about making a profit; it was about making a difference. And now, looking back, I’m grateful for every bump in the road because it brought us to where we are today.

YIL, 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?

Picture me, a wide-eyed barista with a passion for crafting the perfect cup of coffee. A barista who knows how coffee is produced, sourced, imported, consumed, and sold I was hunger to grow and be better. That’s where it all began – in the hustle and bustle of a café.

But as much as I loved the art of brewing coffee and making customers feel great, I felt a pull towards something more. That’s when I learned how to roast coffee. It was like unlocking a whole new dimension of flavor and possibility. I spent years honing my skills, experimenting with different beans, and perfecting the roasting process, I was getting better at sourcing better and better coffee, my palate was improving and my business was getting into shape.

And then, the moment came when I knew it was time to take the leap and become a business owner. With my experience as a professional barista and a Coffee Roaster, I founded Semilla Coffee Roasters, driven by a relentless passion for quality and innovation.

At Semilla, we’re not just selling coffee we’re crafting experiences at the same time we are getting coffee from amazing coffee farmers and paying them a fair price for the goods. From our carefully curated selection of beans to our meticulous roasting techniques, every step of the process is infused with care, dedication, and expertise.

But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to solving problems for our clients. Whether it’s helping businesses elevate their coffee offerings or providing coffee lovers with an unforgettable sensory experience, we’re always striving to exceed expectations.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around our brand, a community fueled by a shared love for exceptional coffee and a dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

So, if there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about Semilla Coffee Roasters, it’s this: we’re not just selling coffee; we’re on a mission to inspire, connect, and bring joy to every cup.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Ah, the capital journey now that’s a tale of perseverance and determination if I ever heard one. You see, I was just your average 24-year-old, scraping by on little more than minimum wage. I found myself in the trenches of the service industry, making lattes and cappuccinos as a barista by day, and picking up shifts wherever I could by evening.

But amidst the hustle and grind, I had a dream, a dream of building something of my own, of making a mark on the world and honoring my grandparents. And so, every single dime I earned went straight into my savings. It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. There were days when the temptation to splurge was almost overwhelming when it felt like my dreams were slipping further and further out of reach.

But I refused to give up. I worked those two jobs because I knew that every sacrifice brought me one step closer to my goal, Semilla. It was a balancing act, trying to save for the initial capital while barely making ends meet in the present.

And then, one day, after years of penny-pinching and scrimping and saving, I looked at my bank account and realized, I still didn’t have enough but I had to make it happen, I put into perspective when I want to launch and get equipment, supplies and green coffee little bit little. Instead of getting myself a brand new bag I have to purchase a coffee scale. When I thought I had enough, savings and equipment I took that leap of faith, to turn my dreams into reality. It was a moment of sheer exhilaration, knowing that all those long hours and sleepless nights had finally paid off.

So, to anyone out there who’s struggling to make ends meet, who’s wondering if it’s worth it, I’m here to tell you, it is. Every sacrifice, every setback, every moment of frustration, they’re all just stepping stones on the path to greatness. So hold onto that dream, my friends, and never let go. Because with enough determination and grit, anything is possible.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn was my impatience, and it’s a lesson that hit me hard during a pivotal moment. Picture this: my car broke down unexpectedly, leaving me stranded and facing a hefty repair bill. Without hesitation, I reached into my savings, the very funds earmarked for my business, to cover the costs. In that instant, I felt a lot of frustration and regret wash over me.

You see, I’d always been someone who wanted things to happen quickly, almost impatiently. I was eager to see my business flourish, to achieve success overnight. But as I stood there, watching my hard-earned savings going away, I realized the folly of my impatience.

It was a wake-up call, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos. I realized that rushing things and expecting quick results only led to setbacks. I had to learn to embrace patience, to understand that building something meaningful takes time and perseverance. I had to learn how to take a breath when I things don’t go as expected.

So, I took a step back, reevaluated my approach, and shifted my mindset. Instead of chasing after instant gratification, I focused on laying down solid foundations for my business, one step at a time, even when I’m on the inside like “Can we please get things done quickly”. I invested in long-term strategies, nurtured relationships, and cultivated a culture of resilience within my team. Reading a lot of books has helped me to get better.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, of frustration, of wondering if I was on the right path. But I refused to let impatience dictate my actions. I stayed the course, trusting in the process and believing that every setback was just a stepping stone towards something greater. I understood we can’t jump from 1 to 7 we need to step in on every step of the ladder if that makes sense…

Today, as I look back on that challenging time, I’m grateful for the lesson it taught me. I’ve come to understand that good things take time, and patience truly is a virtue. It’s not about how quickly you reach your destination, but the journey you take to get there. And let me tell you, the journey is where the magic happens, is where you grow the must and learn the must.

Contact Info:

• Website: semillacoffeeroasters.com
• Instagram: @semillacoffeeroasters
• Facebook: @semillacoffeeroasters
• TikTok: @semillacoffeeroasters

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