Meet Andrea Ley | Olla express cafe owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Ley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
After 8 years as a software engineer my feeling was that my cycle was close to the end, I thought and over analyzed how to make my own business successful, i was fighting with my overthinking and fears but finally I got what I needed: courage! Then I quit! It was the happiest moment in my life and now I work more hours but I feel fulfilled and happy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My coffee journey started as an enthusiast with the best part of the day: COFFEE! My AHA moment came one of those of days in 2016, when I felt very homesick, I was missing my family, my friends, my culture and I thought: if I only could have a café de olla that would help me feel better with that “apapacho” and warm hug from my Abuela’s coffee recipe. In the first opportunity, I went to Mexico to talk to my Abuela and I started gathering all the recipes, tips and tricks. I realized I could be the one making and selling café de olla to others that maybe feel the same way being abroad, so they could have a piece of our roots in a coffee sip, I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I polished the idea in my mind first on how I wanted the brand to be brainstorming in a notepad and sharing them with my circle of trust. I travelled to different regions of my country to be more knowledgeable and also make contact with producers and coffee experts, training myself in every opportunity I had in front of me, researching flavors and spices. In the meantime I launched a kickstarter campaign to get funds for my dream to be a reality, unfortunately, it was not a success but I didn’t give up, I was already very motivated, so I decided to stick to my 9-5 job and save money to invest in my own business: Olla express cafe “a trip in every sip”.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely one of the spots that everyone should visit in every city is Downtown and San Antonio is not the exception, starting with Riverwalk, Pearl, South town and some other historic places. Near the airport there is a must try for Authentic Mexican chilaquiles, tacos, tortas Naco Mexican food truck, if you are on your road to visit Pearl, stop by Carnitas Don Raul food truck, then visit the Farmers Market on weekends, something sweet? Paleteria San Antonio in the Hemisfair Park, something upscale and amazing Mixtli!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family who is always by my side supporting me in one way or another, GRACIAS Familia!

Website: www.ollaexpresscafe.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ollaexpress

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ollaexpresscafe

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ollaexpressus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ollaexpresscafe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqCZIqzCeZvU-_aIJ4xlHw