Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Poniente.
Hi Marlene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have 3 amazing children (Eterniti, Cianna, and Eric). We are strong in faith, I am a recent cancer survivor, and I love coffee. My desire to taste great coffee started out several years ago, as I would visit many local coffee shops. Growing up, I was surrounded by many coffee drinkers and realized how it brought family and friends together. As I would visit coffee shops, not only was I satisfied with my product, but it also gave me the opportunity to observe people and notice their reaction when taking the first sip. That reaction was a sign of happiness, peace, and satisfaction.
Not only would I notice the customers, but would also notice how most passionate Barista’s would interact with their customers, especially their regulars. This brought me joy and I hoped that someday I would be able to do the same with others. My goal was to bring a sense of family to all those I would encounter. What better way than to own a coffee shop and consider my customers my Family. After several years of thinking and dreaming, in November 2017, I decided that it was time to open up my coffee shop. It was definitely a dream come true. I have met so many wonderful people and enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve been so Blessed to have my daughter Eterniti by my side throughout this journey. Due to her dedication and hard work, we were honored with the College Area Business District “2019 Best Coffee Shop” award.
In November 2019, I decided that I wanted to reach more communities around San Diego and decided to become a PopUp Coffee Shop. I closed my storefront and began to research the best way to sell coffee at farmer’s markets and other events. During this process of gathering the required permits, we were impacted with COVID-19 and had to stop the planning process.
Today, I am happy to say that since businesses are starting up again, I have decided to continue the process of my PopUp Coffee Shop. I am excited to continue my dream and hope to bring happiness to all one coffee cup at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe no business is smooth, but with the dedication and motivation to fulfill a dream everything is possible. As a new business owner, we sometimes learn the hard way. The few struggles I had to encounter at the beginning was managing the money by purchasing minimum amount of products. Also, make sure to purchase what will sell at that time and as time goes by you can begin adding new products. As for me, I went all out in purchasing excessive amounts of products and would include items that never sold. I believe everyone goes through these struggles in order to become a better person and business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Marleez Koffee?
My business is making and serving the best coffee for all to enjoy. I am very passionate in making others happy. It’s not only making coffee but making it possible to help the community. I really enjoy being part of a platform that enables me to help others in the community. The brief time I had at the coffee shop, I made it possible for other upcoming business owners to begin selling their products by having them do PopUps at my coffee shop. I also opened the door for creating a networking space for other to educate and do fundraisers. Although my main specialty is coffee, I strive to be known as someone that will always support the community. I love what I do and I hope that I will continue to bring joy to all those I encounter.
What makes you happy?
What makes me the most happiest are my kids. Everything I do is for them. I try to be the best example as I can be. I always tell them that anything they put their mind to is possible and never give up. My kids are my future and leaving them with a legacy just makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marleezkoffee
- Facebook: @marleezkoffeee
