Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Riggins.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a teenager, I always found myself in little independently owned coffeeshops. It was so serene and nostalgic for me. I moved to San Diego from Chicago when I was 18. And immediately spent time at all the coffeeshops. I finally landed my first barista gig at the living room in Point Loma. I fell in love with the coffee community, the fresh smell of beans and customer service. I was a pretty useless barista as no one actually taught me, so I was blind and determined to perfect the craft. I applied at Java Jones coffee roasters in downtown and was taken under their wing and properly learned the craft and a lot about roasting and also own to run a business. After they had to close the doors due to unfortunate circumstances, I met Danielle Eder (Owner of Lazy hummingbird and the Nest in ocean beach) before she opened she brought me on as staff and from there I worked and help build an awesome community. Danielle gave me a lot of freedom with menu and taught me a lot about customer service and how to deal with people from a business perspective. She gave me a lot of opportunity to grow and be me. After a few years I was stagnant and went on a solo trip to Bali for a month and was so incredibly inspired by all of the bright and beautiful ingredients. Everything was so radiant and the taste were explosions. When I came back I asked Danielle if I could run my own night time pop up shop at Lazy hummingbird and graciously she allowed it.
I created a list of unique and travel inspired drinks and well as local artists and musicians. Every Friday and Saturday night for 8 months we setup and jammed and created this secret sober night time escape. It was called wanderlust cafe. From that the Nest Coffee and tea was born, just 2.5 blocks from the original Lazy hummingbird. Again, Danielle Eder graciously let me make a good and drink menu and run the shop on my own. Totally inspired by world travel and soulful and healthy ingredients. The community was super receptive and it’s a little serene spot for locals and tourists. Then recently another Danielle (ha-ha) Owner of fitness is my sickness (my gym) asked if I wanted to open a coffeeshop in a space she was creating. Al all woman’s shared space. I jumped on the opportunity. It’s a mixture of the original hummingbird and the nest and also a few new things on the menu created for this special community. I am currently acquiring ownership of this space and separating from Lazy hummingbird to spread my own wings. I’m super grateful for the ocean beach community and for all my mentors who have helped me along the way!
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s been so many challenged and blessing along the road. I think being young and passionate is so important but also being put in my place in realizing I do not know everything. That it’s so important to take advice from seasoned business professionals. There’s been times where it’s smooth sailing and the community pours in and times where you are just grinding and grinding and trying so many rings to get people in the doors. The only thing I can say is customer service is everything and that I pride myself on. It’s also been difficult with all the growth in San Diego and so many coffeeshops opening and making sure you stand out and also realizing there’s room for everyone to flourish and bloom and it’s really just about community not competition. It’s never easy to have the stress of busilfinf a business on our back but the community is so supportive that it helps bear the load of success and not having an option to fail your community.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lazy Hummingbird La Mesa – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lazy hummingbird La Mesa is proud to be a woman owned coffeeshop. We specialize in putting a smile on your face and healthy superfoods to help your body stay energized. We have organic acai, wellness coffee and tea. All of the tea was curated by Eugenia Lakohva who is an herbalist and put together teas for specific areas in the body. We used organic and fair trade sourced superfoods such as maca and cacao, turmeric, change mushroom,
Matcha and more. And we also have your regular coffee drinks, but our secret is to pour love. We really set an intention to give each customer a drink pourn with love. You can make or break somedays day with your attitude and we truly care. We are super proud to be unique in our drinks, our approach and to share a space in an all woman’s collective.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about San Diego is the care free and good vibes. Everyone is down to chill. To soak up the sunshine and not be in a rush. It feels relaxed and not uptight. I love that I can go to the beach, mountains and desert all in one day. I often grab a cold brew coffee and jam out to Joshua Tree in one day. That’s pretty amazing.
Why I dislike most about San Diego Is parking issues. We have so many epic businesses and so little parking for them all. I wish we would all drive less and bike more. And I hate the weather! It’s awful right? Hamah
Contact Info:
- Address: 7220 El Cajon Blvd
- Website: Lazyhummingbirdob.com
- Phone: 6199901020
- Email: lazyhummingbirdfit@gmail.com
- Instagram: Lazyhummingbird_lamesa
- Facebook: Lazy hummingbird fit
- Yelp: Lazy hummingbird
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
