Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Gonzalez.
Hi Katherine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Katherine (Kat) Gonzalez. I was born in LA and moved to San Antonio when I was 14. I have always considered myself Guatemalan at heart because of the way that my parents always instilled in us love and pride for our homeland. As a first-generation Guatemalan-American, I consider myself lucky to be so fluidly diverse in both my Latina and American roots. Coffee is a strong portion of our culture, and Café Cultura was named after that nostalgic enjoyment of drinking a cup of coffee, literally anytime of day!
Coffee has always been a cultural aspect of my life. I grew up drinking coffee with my grandma, my parents, or family at every gathering. You know that sort of comfortable feeling of being somewhere or doing something that just makes you feel, home? That’s coffee for me.
I’ve always talked about owning something related to coffee. I never quite knew what that was or what it looked like, but I just knew it would be something I would enjoy. After all, I can drink coffee any time of the day and enjoy visiting shops around San Antonio, even in college. In 2020, after mentioning my curiosity about the coffee roasting process, my husband bought me a little home roaster. It looks like a little white crockpot with a shallow basin, but there I started my first roasting experiments. They were terrible, but I came to really enjoy the process. As I got better I would roast and give out to friends and family as gifts, or just because. Shortly after, in 2021, we were introduced to Coffeecionado, a local Nitro Cold Brew shop & roaster. She offered roasting classes, and after many discussions with her and my ideas, I decided to buy my first three sacks of green coffee from a Non-Profit Guatemalan coffee importer.
Since then, I have begun roasting and selling at pop-up markets around San Antonio, online and locally to friends. I’ve expanded my offerings now to include iced coffee and drip coffee beverages. I would like to grow into suppling local shops and restaurants with coffee, and even looking at white label roasting, and ultimately a flagship location where people can come have a cup of their favorite coffee, make a sustainable difference, and learn about our cultures.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has its ups and downs. I have a full-time day job and I’m also a mom. So juggling time has been the biggest struggle. Finding ways to grow and be recognized is a new challenge as well. All things take time, so I always like to stay optimistic!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work in Marketing and I’ve been in this same role since I graduated in 2015 (first-gen college grad baby!), and it has given me ample insight and experience in the realm of small business. I enjoy marketing and I really like being in a small business.
Now for Café Cultura the aim is to be the specialist in Guatemalan coffee’s, and a place to come learn and celebrate coffee for more than just a drink. We want to showcase the diversity of coffee and the social, economic & cultural impacts of coffee from cultivation through to the end consumer. We aim to become a liaison in coffee roasting and brewing in our community. We also wish to create an environment that allows us to give back to our local community.
As the name puts it, we want to create and celebrate everyone’s coffee culture and share our own. After all, there is always room for good coffee and great company.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have a great support system to thank. My husband, who gave me the initial push into considering a coffee business. He’s been one of my biggest supporters in this journey, and a willing volunteer when I need someone to help me at markets, roast, or even just a sounding board for ideas. I don’t think I could be taking this leap of faith without him cheering me on.
Of course my family, my parents, sister, and my in-laws who are huge supporters of me, and have been the village that’s come to rescue to be with my kids when I have to do a market or something related to Café Cultura. They’ve truly been a huge help to me as a mom with a full-time day job, and starting a small business.
I also have to give the biggest shoutout to Patricia Butler, owner of Coffeecionado. She took me under her wing and taught me how to roast. She truly has a heart for helping her community, and especially women. She is truly an inspiration and a phenomenal role model to have around and look up to!
Pricing:
- 1lb of Roasted Coffee – 13.00
- Iced Coffee – $3.50 – $4.50
- Drip Coffee – $2.50
- Catering Services – TBD
- Wholesale – Message us!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cafecultura210.com
- Instagram: @cafecultura210
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeCultura210
Image Credits
Jacqueline Madrid (Night Owl Photography | @night.owl.photosa)
