We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesus & Adriana and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jesus & Adriana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Our daughters are the main idea behind these ventures (Jesse started 2 , and partnered in 2 more). It started with our first baby who is now the oldest of 3 girls. Jesse opened his first business in 2013 (shout out to NOHO TIRES & WHEELS). Fast Forward 8 years later we now have 3 girls Scarlett, Camille, and Amelia and 2 small businesses that we manage (NOHO TIRES & WHEELS , CARAXVANA). Now more than ever it’s important for them to understand the value of hard work. That there will be challenges when making their dreams a reality. These ventures were created will not only provide for them, but to teach them that dedication and hard work pays off.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Running these small businesses have been very challenging nonetheless. Overcoming a lot of obstacles together, especially being young parents has not been easy. When we decided to create Cara Vana we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We didn’t know much about coffee, but we knew we wanted to create a space for this community to enjoy after a longs day of work or just a simple date. In the end this all came to life and we did it together. We are still learning new obstacles and looking for new ways to recreate this space it doesn’t stop here. We are most proud of creating small businesses that are important to the community and that we can share with our family and friends.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Almost forgot what it feels like to go out! If we were in different times, there’s a few places we’d like to check out and revisit . First and foremost we would start with coffee at Cara Vana every morning, followed by a nice hike to over look all of beautiful Los Angeles. We could go out to Griffith Park or the Hollywood Sign. Leading into a good brunch maybe Home Restaurant or Pilot for a nice view, and the Atrium for some good cocktails. LA is known for the best Sports teams, so going to a live game is a must! Wether it be a LA DODGERS game, LAKERS game, LAFC game or a LA KINGS hockey game! Most of these outings would have to be kid friendly as well, just thinking of our 3 girls we would definitely need to make a trip out to Disneyland Park! Were also suckers for some really good TJ style tacos, so we definitely would need to grab some at the Llanteria Taco stand in LA or Sonora Town near the Staple center so good!! Taking a trip to one of Malibu beaches would be nice as well. These are just a few of the place we really enjoy or would want to visit when restrictions are lifted of course. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
WE WANT TO SHOUT OUT EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN A PART OF OUR JOURNEY STARTING WITH OUR FAMILY AND CLOSEST FRIENDS GOING TO LIST A FEW OF MANY STARTING WITH FAMILY ALL OF THE VALENCIA GANG, ZUNIGA FAM. OUR CLOSEST FRIENDS CHRIS REYES AND FRANK RIVERA THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP & SUPPORT. KIM!!! OUR MAIN ONE SINCE DAY ONE!! THE CARAXAVANA TEAM, COFFEE ROASTERS SIGHTGLASS & UNITY ROASTERS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY AND AMAZING CUSTOMERS SUPPORTING US EVERYDAY!!
Website: caravanacoffeeshop.com
Instagram: @caraxvana
Facebook: @caraxvana
Yelp: Cara Vana Coffee Shop
Image Credits
Credit to Lex Asuncion for all images