Today we’d like to introduce you to Rey Richardson.
Hi Rey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my start in the coffee industry at Starbucks, like many of my peers. I fell in love with coffee when I first experienced what they had innovated so many years ago and wanted to be a part of bringing joy to people one cup at a time. After learning what I could in productivity and management as the lead in a busy mall store, I graduated into the Third Wave coffee movement and started to dive deep into learning the science behind how each stage of coffee is produced. From how it’s grown, harvested, and roasted, to how to extract the most flavor from each type of bean. After that foundation was built, I started to use my industry knowledge and barista skills as a consultant for local coffee startups. Eventually, I had the opportunity to help a friend of mine start his own coffee cart. In doing so I had the freedom to create recipes, experiment with flavor, refine my latte art, and learn the ins and outs of the business side of running a coffee business. That coffee cart grew into a brick-and-mortar shop and I became the head barista and trainer. I spent a little over 3 years with that company and in late 2021 I decided it was time to take a leap into the unknown of opening my first solo endeavor which has become what I am doing today!
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?
For the sake of context mentioning that I was adopted when I was young and have always lived with a deep imposter syndrome seems to be a need here. I have experienced a lot of triumphs and a lot of fails while, through it all, I have always felt like I was watching someone else performing my life, until now.
On another note, being married at 18 and a father at 20 definitely did not lend to having an easy road; in fact, there was more disappointment and heartache than I can explain. With that being said, challenging the status quo, breaking through the ceiling’s society has put above young creatives, and tearing down the walls that doubters have put around me has been a constant struggle which has built me into who I am today.
One of the hardest obstacles I’ve dealt with is finding balance.
I’ve never been one to hold back but when being faced with the day-to-day responsibilities around me while trying to contain a burning passion to express my creative vision I found myself stuck. Questions like: “When?” start to haunt you. When is it time to go for it? When is it time to stop? When is it too much? When will it get easier? The stakes are very high when the cost of your passion is the welfare of your family.
There have been many starts and stops on this journey. Some starts have nearly made me homeless, as well some stops ending in that same result. On the flip side, some starts have given me the most joy in the world and some stops have been the most peaceful times in my life.
I don’t think any road worth traveling is smooth. I’m the type of person who only knows how to give myself completely to whatever is in front of me and when you have that type of passion and focus it doesn’t allow you to see upcoming obstacles until they are under your feet.
Once I embraced the journey instead of only seeking the destination, I was able to rest in the fact that I will always have starts, stops, and roadblocks. Now, I can face anything with my head up because I know that who I am and what I’m doing right now, today, is the only thing that I can control. Being present in every moment silenced all of the questions that made me freeze up and I was able to walk into my passion and still care for my day-to-day life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We really care about the details and we try to facilitate continuity in every experience from start to finish. From being the only shop in San Diego featuring the espresso we use, to making our own flavors for our specialty lattes. Since we make our own flavors, we are the only place you can find syrups that are specifically formulated to blend with our coffee to build that perfect sip.
When you come, we want to curate an experience that starts with intrigue, invokes wonder, and ends with satisfaction and longing for more!
To enhance your coffee experience, we also offer small-batch pastries and sandwiches prepared locally which are always based on what’s fresh that week.
We’re called Snapshot Coffee Bar because we believe that we live our life in snapshots, whether that is the first time you see the Rocky Mountains, the Empire State Building, or take a sip of a perfect coffee. We want to recreate the spirit of traveling beyond the normal parameters of your life every time you visit.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My life has been filled with influences and folks who have impacted me both positively and negatively that has effectively built me into who I am. I am so thankful to have a few that have never given up on me.
I have to give credit to my Grandma Debi and Grandpa Ray who adopted me and have always given me every opportunity in life. My in-laws, Patty and Chris for giving me that little extra push toward my passions and opening doors for me. My friends, Rob and Kat, for always having my back throughout all of the mountains and valleys – as well as letting me spend time building up my skills at their coffee shop.
My friend Anna, who has always been my assistant in all of my different endeavors and has taught me what it is like to actually serve people with love even when I don’t feel like I can.
Mia, she’s the manager at Snapshot and the first one who was willing to jump into the unknown with me and has shown up ready to build my dream every day since I opened. She has my back and her daily dedication continues to teach me how to show up every day in the right way and to continue to challenge myself to be better.
Isabella, who was a customer of mine from another cafe, who was so excited about flavors and coffee she became the first barista I hired at Snapshot and has given me the tools to stay enthusiastic about creating new things!
I have to mention one customer named Anthony Joplin, who has inspired me to be the literal best version of myself as I have been launching Snapshot. He owns a busy thriving business, yet takes the time to give away wisdom every day he stops in to get espresso. His words have been invaluable.
My Son, Remmington, has been a lifelong teacher who has shown me what bravery is and has taught me how to own who I am without worrying what could happen.
Lastly, my wife Sierra has taught me the most vital part of all: how to be myself. She has given me the freedom to be me in every season of our 17 years together, she has taught me that I am enough, and I can’t even begin to explain how liberating it feels to realize I can express myself to everyone and not just hide behind who I wish I was.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.snapshotcoffee.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/snapshotcoffeebar
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/IRegzh8akqb
Image Credits
Dennis Schrader
Rob Chapman
