We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marlette Vater. Check out our conversation below.
Marlette, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Sometimes people assume our business is just a small side hustle or something casual until we open a coffee shop. But this is the foundation, and it’s a serious one.
We’re operating under California’s cottage food laws, which means we’re fully licensed and follow the same food handling and safety standards as any commercial shop. Every roast we send out is held to a high standard, not just because it’s required, but because it matters to us.
This phase is intentional. We’re taking time to build strong systems, connect with our community, and grow at a pace that supports both our family and our long-term vision. A café is absolutely in our future. We want to arrive there with a deep sense of readiness and integrity.
This isn’t just a warm-up. It’s the real beginning of something built to last.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I am Marlette, the founder and roaster behind Marlette’s Coffee Company, a small-batch specialty coffee business based in Escondido, California. We roast to order and deliver by hand throughout North County San Diego, with flat-rate shipping available across the rest of California.
Before starting this journey, I worked as a registered nurse and have a background in mathematics. I’m also a mom of three boys, so I understand the need for a great cup of coffee and a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day. This business grew from a desire to build something meaningful and sustainable for both my family and my community.
Our mission is to make specialty coffee more approachable. You don’t need fancy gear or formal training to brew something incredible at home. With a little guidance and beans roasted just for you, that daily cup becomes something to look forward to.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband saw me clearly long before I could see myself. We have been sweethearts since my freshman year of college, and he has always looked past the uncertainty I felt in my early years to the potential he knew was there.
He watched me start with a degree in mathematics, then pivot into nursing on a busy cardiac floor. He saw the exhaustion of night shifts, the strain of caring for eight patients at once, and the tears in my eyes as I came home just as he was leaving for work. He stood by me through the challenges and supported me when I decided to step away from nursing to be a stay-at-home mom, a role I felt confident in and poured myself into fully.
When our boys started school and I began wondering what was next, he reminded me that I had the talent, discipline, and warmth to create something meaningful. He believed we could build something we love at our own pace, while creating a community around it. That belief is what gave me the confidence to take the leap into this business.
I’m also deeply grateful for my brother, who has been a true partner in this journey. His encouragement and support have helped make this dream possible.
I am confident in what we’re building today because I have been surrounded by love, belief, and unwavering support from my family.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are stronger than you think. Strong enough to pave your own path with this business. Strong enough to reach the fitness goals that once felt out of reach, like holding a handstand or doing five chin-ups. Strong enough to stay emotionally steady for your kids, even on the hard days. Your strength will show up in ways you never imagined, and it will carry you through every season of life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the coffee industry is that all coffee is sourced with the same care and integrity. The truth is, not every bag on the shelf tells the full story of how and where those beans were grown.
We choose to be transparent about our sources because it matters. We seek out farms committed to sustainable and ethical practices, including farm gate and fair trade coffees. Whenever possible, we look for bird-friendly and regenerative farming methods that protect both the land and the livelihoods of the people who grow our coffee.
For us, great coffee is about more than flavor. It is about the journey from farm to cup and the values upheld at every step along the way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Tap dancing to work? Pretty much. Not in sequins or with jazz hands, but I do get that extra spring in my step most mornings. It starts the moment I pour a cup of my own freshly roasted coffee. There’s something about sipping the exact flavor you worked so hard to perfect that makes the day feel instantly brighter.
The kids are off at school, which means I get to roast, create, and run my business without anyone asking me for a snack every five minutes. I can listen to whatever music I want, talk to myself without judgment, and even have a mid-morning dance break without tiny witnesses.
It’s a level of freedom and joy I never felt in my previous jobs, and it’s proof that work can feel like something you get to do, not something you have to do. Find what lights you up, and you might just find yourself tap dancing too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marlettescoffee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlettescoffee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlettescoffee
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/wIs-hbcjFi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marlettescoffee
