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

Hi Robert, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
If you asked me 10 years ago what was most important to me I would’ve answered family, friends and my passions which were at the time helping others and creating. Oddly enough, I spent most of my time working, studying, or doing other things that weren’t on my list. I believe there should be a balance between work and family. For me that balance is working with my family. I tend to obsess over work leaving me no time to spend with my family or friends and absolutely no time to help others. Since I have started working with my family and friends have been able to obsess as I usually do over work while also being able to spend time with the ones I love. I also have all the time in the world to help others. Time is not something we can not get back once it’s gone. If I was still working in Aerospace I would have very little time to do the things I love to do. I prefer to live and work cohesively rather than live to work.

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?
I started my coffee business Zapata’s Coffee by giving to those experiencing homelessness and by awarding scholarships. While I was doing that I was selling antique and vintage items at Hodgson’s Antiques. In Jan 2022, I helped my partner open South Pas Vintage in South Pasadena, CA. I saw the life I want to live in my mind and set off to get it. It was not easy. Most of my time was spent trying to convince others of a vision that they couldn’t see or understand but with enough time, persistence and patience I was able to help them with their businesses. I have learned that no one will see the vision you see but if you want to be successful you have to bring that vision to fruition no matter what it takes. They will thank you later and you will have the satisfaction of feeling accomplished. I want the world to know that I started my life in a 2 bedroom apartment living below the normal means. If I can get where I am today I know you can too. That’s what I want my brand to represent. Hard times are followed by great accomplishments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a brown bag full of my favorite restaurants in LA. I would take them to every restaurant on the list. On my list I have Golden Deli in San Gabriel, Nick and Stefs in Down Town LA, Sonora Town Tacos in DTLA, and so many other spots. I recently discovered Bestia and they have the best fish I have ever had. That’s the most exciting part. The food you eat and the people you meet while you’re there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I don’t believe in being “self made”. No disrespect to anyone that is proud to call themselves self made because I know you have worked hard to earn your place. I believe we are only here because of the efforts, time and resources others have granted us. I’d like to thank my mom and dad for the life they gave me, my amazing partner Samara and her family, my siblings for always being cool with me, my step dad for being there for me growing up, my grandparents on both my mom and dads side because they both played a role in my life and all my friends and family that have had a part in my work and life. Most of the people I thanked have been at times either a positive or a negative influence on me but I believe that everything happens for a reason to make you into the person you are to do whatever it is you’re meant to do. So I appreciate it all. The good and the bad. I also would like to thank and show my respect to Bob Proctor and Carol Dweck because I watch and listen to Bob Proctors videos almost 3 times a week and I read “Mindset” by Carol Dweck. Both those have had significant impacts on my life. Also thank you to Alex from Post Era Coffee for helping me with my recent roasts!

Website: www.zapatascoffee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zapatascoffee/?hl=en

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