Meet Kamden Riley | Actor and Coffee Shop Owner

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

Hi Kamden, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a young actor in Los Angeles, work is never guaranteed. There are seasons where everything clicks — you’re booking roles, momentum is building — and then there are stretches where it’s just quiet. One of the most recent projects I am a part of is Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, The Odyssey. I’m confident in my future in film, but I also know I don’t want to spend my life waiting for my ‘big break.’ One of my longtime dreams has been to open a coffee shop, and that felt like something I could actually build with my own two hands. It’s something in my control, and I’m grateful for the chance to chase that dream while continuing to pursue acting. I am so excited to announce that my official coffee shop in Glendora is opening this month!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Acting has always been my way of connecting with people. For me, it’s not about being the loudest in the room — it’s about being honest. I think what sets me apart is that I approach every role with real curiosity and humility. I’m not trying to impress people; I just want to tell the truth, even if it’s messy or quiet.

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done when no one was watching — the self-tapes that didn’t book, the early mornings, the days where I kept showing up even when it felt like nothing was moving. Those moments taught me discipline and resilience. Getting to where I am now definitely wasn’t easy. There’s a lot of rejection in this industry, and it can wear on your confidence. But I’ve learned not to take it personally, to trust the long game, and to build a life outside of acting that still fuels me creatively — like opening Kamden Coffee.

My brand is rooted in storytelling. Whether it’s through a character I’m playing or the atmosphere I’m creating in my coffee shop, I want people to feel something real. I want them to walk away feeling seen, even in the smallest moments.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know, it’s that I’m building this path with intention. Nothing about it is random. I’m chasing a career in film and simultaneously pouring into a business that reflects my love for people, creativity, and community. I don’t know where it’ll all lead, but I know I’m doing it with heart — and that’s what matters most to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually just had some friends visiting me this past week, and we did the full Los Angeles experience. We hit the Arts District, Grand Central Market, Topanga Canyon, and spent time on the West Side — including a stop at the Academy Museum, of course. We got burnt at the beach (a true California rite of passage), and even took a quick overnight trip to Catalina Island. It was my first time staying in Avalon, and we spent the day kayaking and exploring the island. All on a tight budget — we’re only 22, after all — but we made the most of it. It reminded me how lucky I am to live in a place that has so much to offer just a drive or ferry ride away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My career has always been a team effort. I’ve keep my circle pretty small, and I really lean on the people I trust most: my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and my manager. I rarely make a big decision without running it by them first. Their honesty and wisdom mean everything to me. I also want to give a special shoutout to Bill Stewart and my grandpa — they’ve both had a huge impact on my life and the way I show up in the world.

Website: https://kamdencoffee.com

Instagram: kamdencoffee and kamdenrr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kamden-coffee-covina-2?osq=Kamden+Coffee

Image Credits
Blake Woken
Kamden Riley