Meet Daniela Tapia Ortega | Entrepreneur & MSW Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Tapia Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking is an integral part of growth, both personally and professionally. For me, this was especially true when I co-founded TLC Coffee Co with my mom last year in 2023. Taking that leap into entrepreneurship meant stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing the uncertainties of starting a business.

I decided to embark on this journey while simultaneously starting grad school, which has not been easy. Juggling the demands of a 9-to-5 job alongside my studies and the coffee business has been challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

My mom and I believed in the potential of creating something special, and that risk has led to significant rewards—not just in terms of the business itself, but also in our personal growth. Working together has strengthened our bond and taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.

Launching TLC Coffee Co has shown me that while risks can be daunting, they can also open up new opportunities and lead to fulfilling experiences. It’s all about finding the right balance and being willing to learn along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional journey began 11 years ago as a barista, and I never imagined that coffee would lead me to where I am today. While it hasn’t always been easy, each step has profoundly shaped my path.

I remember those long days and early mornings, often waking up at 4:40 a.m. to open the coffee shop or coming in after my first job to close at night. My time at Tierra Mia Coffee provided me with a solid foundation in customer service and the art of crafting pour-overs and espresso-based drinks. Despite the challenges, I loved the hustle and approached each shift with passion, giving 100% of myself.

After Tierra Mia, I wanted to apply my studies in a practical setting and began working in K-12 education, focusing on special education. I still keep in touch with some of my students, now young adults, and I hope to someday offer job opportunities through TLC Coffee to this population that holds a piece of my heart.

When the pandemic hit and schools closed, I found myself drawn back into the coffee world. At that time, I was working at a high school during the week and at Fairgrounds Coffee on the weekends. A friend invited me to join them at Primo Passo Coffee, and my last barista role before launching TLC Coffee Co was at Gnarwhal Coffee. Each of these experiences—filled with sweat, burns (don’t underestimate the steam wands!), laughter, and even a few tears—has contributed to who I am as a barista today.

Balancing multiple jobs while attending school was challenging, but it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I eventually transferred out of community college and into CSULB for my undergraduate degree and am now pursuing a graduate program in Social Work at APU. Currently, I work as a supervisor for community health education at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where I lead an incredible team of community health workers, all while helping TLC Coffee Co thrive. My goal is to merge my love for coffee and social work in a way that gives back to our community.

Overcoming challenges has been about staying focused on my goals and finding joy in the journey. Each obstacle has only reinforced my determination and pushed me to strive for more. I’m grateful for every moment that has brought me here, and I can’t wait to see where this path continues to lead me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting for a week, we’d start each morning at a different coffee shop. Some of my favorites include Primo Passo Coffee, Café Tropical, Gnarwhal Coffee, Maru Coffee, and Picaresca Coffee.

For lunch, we’d hit up Bay Cities in Santa Monica for their sandwiches, Havana Mania in Redondo Beach for Cuban cuisine, Grand Central Market for variety, and Smorgasburg for tasty pop ups. I’d also take them to Unreal Poke and my favorite taco spot, La Carreta, along with Daikokuya in Alhambra for ramen.

We’d explore some beautiful hiking spots, like Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and Chantry Flats in Angeles National Forest. A visit to the South Coast Botanic Garden would be ideal for a picnic, and I’d definitely make a stop at El Sereno Green Grocer to pick up some delicious snacks for our outing.

There’s so much to see and do in LA, I’m sure we’d find plenty of unexpected adventures along the way!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my mom, who has been my rock throughout this journey. She has sacrificed so much to see me thrive, and her unwavering support means the world to me. From the late-night brainstorming sessions for TLC Coffee Co to the countless times she encouraged me to pursue my dreams, she’s always been there, believing in me even when I doubted myself.

Her love and guidance have shaped not just my business journey but also who I am as a person. I am endlessly grateful for her strength and the way she inspires me to keep pushing forward. Mom, thank you for everything—you are my greatest motivator and my biggest cheerleader, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this adventure.

Instagram: @tlccoffeeco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlc-coffee-co-2a5b55168

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tlc-coffee-company-firestone-park-2?osq=Coffee+%26+Tea