Today we’d like to introduce you to Anahis Monroy
Hi Anahis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Yaqui Coffee House is a concept that has been in the making for the last 3 years. It started with a deep love for coffee in my hometown in the state of Sonora, Mexico, also home of the indigenous Yaqui tribe. This concept brings the perfect fusion of specialty coffee and dynamic recipes inspired in every step of the journey I traveled these past years, with a never-ending curiosity and passion for coffee that continues to nurture this concept.
In 2020, I left the insurance profession to pursue a career in coffee. I started by completing a series of certifications in the coffee industry. Some of these included a roasting and barista seminar in the city of Queretaro, Mexico and a certification from the Seattle Barista Academy.
My passion in coffee has allowed me to also create a path in the hospitality industry. My first opportunity came working as barista in the Gaslamp Quarter restaurant Havana 1920. By the following year, I was a manager at the widely recognized San Diego based French Café Le Parfait Paris, and within a few years I had one of the most fun experiences serving as Café Manager for the widely recognized Copa Vida.
This walked path gave me perspective as I continued to polish my very own concept. Naturally, every step of the way I had to fight self-doubts and feelings of uncertainty. One thing I was always sure about is that I had to be proud of everything I presented to my customers.
With this in mind, I created my very first menu using ingredients that would resonate with our culture. Unsure on how this would be perceived, I shared my menu within my neighbors and soon after I received an invitation from my landlord to do my first coffee pop-up event in my apartment complex.
Our customer base started growing. Every event was a reassurance that we were following the right path with the right people. We now have our first location in the Otay Ranch community, just a few miles from where it all started. Gratitude is a small word to describe how I feel about the community that has been part of the Yaqui Coffee House journey. Our community has been there placing phone orders from a random flier at their door on Christmas days, to waiting for their coffee orders under a tent on a rainy day. Yaqui Coffee House is a place where every individual has a place in our bundle of culture, love for coffee, community and gratitude.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest obstacles was building our first brick and mortar while working in the industry full time and being a mom of a teenager. As many other new business owners, I had only a partial picture of what challenges we were about to face. From city objections, building set-backs, funding and more. I was only able to overcome these challenges surrounding myself with the right individuals but more than anything with the support of my partner and my family.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is to master your art or passion at all possible levels. There is no bad job or small position if they are taking you closer to your final goal. All experiences even the “bad” ones will make you better than you were before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yaquihouse.coffee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaquihouse/?next=%2F
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yaqui-coffee-house-chula-vista
