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

Hi Sara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Hi, I’m Sara Price. I own Shorebird Coffee, which is a coffee cart I operate out of a big blue ’91 Dodge van. I moved to Los Angeles in 2010 and worked toward becoming a film and television writer. After a decade of working to get a foothold, the business started receding and jobs were scarce, I was having a hard time just sitting at home and writing alone. I took a trip with a friend to New Zealand and Australia last summer and we had the best time adventuring around and finding cute coffee shops; little cabins, a small cafe on a cobblestone street, beach coffee spots with binoculars for whale watching. I was so inspired. I’ve always loved coffee and wanted to create something in LA that was unique and different. Going to get coffee should be part of the adventure! So, I bought the van off Craigslist. I pulled out all the carpet and created a seating area, our version of a little cafe. I built the cart myself. It’s been really special to have a fun project and look forward to working on everyday. And now that we’re operating I love to think about how we can become more sustainable and use less waste. I encourage everyone to bring their own mugs and it’s been so fun to see what unique and personal mugs everyone shows up with!

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 always seek out coffee after my adventures, whether it’s a morning surf, a run, bike or a hike. So Shorebird Coffee is all about popping up for that post-adventure coffee. First and foremost, we’ve got great coffee! Coffee culture got out of hand with the to-go craze. The internet, advertising, TV and movies always have someone rushing around with a single use cup. At Shorebird, we don’t use single use plastic cups and encourage everyone who stops by to bring your own vessel! All of our apparel is sourced from thrift shops, and printed with a limited edition design. It’s not easy to have a business with an ethical perspective. There’s a lot of problem solving, testing, and figuring out the best solutions while staying on top of all the other demands of trying to grow and get your name out there. I’ve always dreamed of having a business of my own, so I’m happy to keep working on this brand because I think it’s so special!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend is visiting I will usually try to convince them to try surfing! I learned between Rose and Bay Street in Santa Monica and love taking people there to try surfing on a soft top surfboard. After they are completely exhausted I’d take them to Sachi.LA for matcha or coffee. It’s a great little shop with great plants and amazing vintage clothing. LA has some of the best re-fill shops around so I’d show them Re_Grocery in Venice and re-up on olive oil, rice, coffee beans… and so much more! I love Rider Shack surf shop. They’ve got an awesome selection of used boards, so I’d probably convince them they need a board!

I love taking my dog for a run or a hike in Griffith Park or let him romp around at the LA River in Frogtown. Griffith Park is so full of runners, cyclists, hiking trails, wildlife and views! If we are in Culver, I’d pop into The Village Well Book Shop and take them up to the top of Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook via the Culver Stairs.

I live in West Adams and absolutely love it. I’d take them to a street vendor for a burrito or pizza for dinner.

And we could do it all in cruising around in the big blue van!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shorebird Coffee would not be possible without the incredible designs created by my cousin and best friend, Melissa Kennedy. She moved to LA shortly after I did and we have been adventuring around LA for years now. It is so fun to get to partner up with her on designs for the logo, merch and socials. She’s hilarious, talented and hard working — and I’m always blown away by her creativity!

Website: https://www.shorebirdcoffee.com/

Instagram: @shorebirdcoffeeco

Image Credits
The photo of me behind the bar on the cart is from Sara Werner. All other photos were taken by me!

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