Meet Michelle & Alexis | Baristas & Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle & Alexis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle & Alexis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
On our first date, we talked about our goals and realized we both wanted to own a coffee shop. After two years together, we started thinking seriously if we kept waiting for the “right time,” especially with how expensive LA is, it might never come. So in December 2023, we decided to just start even if it meant beginning as a pop-up. We named it Brew Sting because we love bees, and our coffee is bold like a sting. Beyond just serving drinks, we’ve created a supportive and welcoming community. That’s what pushed us not just the dream, but the community we started to build and see every weekend.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Brew Sting is more than just a coffee pop-up it’s a blend of strong coffee, sweet flavors, and even stronger community roots. We started in December 2023 with a simple setup and a big dream. What sets us apart is not just our drinks, like our Churro latte or Abejita, but the feeling you get when you visit we’ve built a space where everyone feels welcomed, seen, and loved.

We’re proud to say we’ve created something that represents both who we are and where we come from. Being a small, first-generation Mexican-owned business, nothing about this journey has been easy. We’ve had to figure everything out ourselves from licensing to pop-up logistics while still working other jobs. But our passion, the support of our families, and our community kept us going.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. Every challenge pushed us to be more resourceful and creative. What we want the world to know is this: Brew Sting was built with corazón. Our story is still unfolding, and we’re just getting started with our creative ideas!

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?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they get a real taste of LA’s best spots especially the ones we love.

We’d start mornings at Picaresca their coffee and breakfast are amazing, even though we make café en la casa ourselves! It’s definitely a must-visit. For lunch, we’d head to The Heights in Lincoln Heights for some jambalaya pasta or a tasty sandwich paired with a local IPA. Then end with dinner at De La Nonna for some pizza with wine and then head to their bar for a disco night full of dancing!

To enjoy the day, we’d explore the Arts District, popping into different galleries, shops, and cafes to soak up the creative vibe. One morning, we’d hit an early hike at Ascot Hills for great views and fresh air. And for a chill afternoon, we’d stroll through The Americana at Brand, grabbing some ice cream and enjoying the atmosphere.

These spots show off the heart and flavor of LA, and I know my friend would love every minute.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We have to give a huge shoutout to our parents! They’ve been our number one supporters since day one. They never questioned what we were doing; instead, they’ve always encouraged us, offered ideas, and supported every move we made. We also want to thank our neighbors and the El Sereno community, especially our community, who have shown us so much cariño. The way they show up, spread the word, and embrace small businesses like ours is something special. Their love, warmth, and orgullo keep us grounded and motivated. Without them, Brew Sting wouldn’t be what it is today.

Instagram: @brew.sting

Other: tiktok @brew.sting