Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Daoud
Hi Adam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started working at the age of 14 at a local ice cream shop, where I got my first experience in the service industry. At 16, I got my first coffee job at Starbucks, and it didn’t take long for me to realize how much I loved the fast-paced environment and the craft of coffee. I quickly climbed the ranks, and by the time I turned 18, I was promoted to a supervisor position.
After three years at Starbucks, I decided to explore other opportunities. But no matter what I did, I kept finding myself drawn back to coffee. Less than six months later, I picked up a side job as a barista at Merit Coffee, simply because I missed being part of the coffee culture. While working there, I had a realization—coffee isn’t just about the drink itself; it’s about the community it creates. That’s when I knew I wanted to leave my mark on San Antonio’s coffee scene.
In the summer of 2023, my uncle moved to San Antonio with his family and was looking for investment opportunities. I pitched him my vision, and with his investment and guidance—alongside my personal savings and five years of hands-on coffee experience—we took the leap. In October 2024, Vela Coffee officially opened in downtown San Antonio.
Vela Coffee was built with a bigger purpose in mind. I didn’t just want to open another specialty coffee shop—I wanted it to be a one-stop shop for all things local in San Antonio. From the coffee we serve to the pastries, milk, and even the merchandise we carry, everything is sourced from local businesses and artisans. I saw an opportunity to bring the community together by creating a space that not only serves great coffee but also uplifts and supports other small businesses in the city.
We also chose downtown San Antonio strategically. With the city actively working to bring more locals back to the downtown area, we wanted to be part of that movement. Downtown has always been a hub for tourism, but we saw an opportunity to help turn it into a place where locals feel at home, too. By creating a welcoming space with a strong local focus, we hope to give people another great reason to explore and enjoy downtown.
Vela Coffee isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my passion, and my deep-rooted belief that coffee has the power to bring people together while supporting the local economy. We’re excited to be part of downtown’s revitalization and to help make it a destination not just for visitors, but for the people who call San Antonio home.
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?
Not at all—it’s been a journey full of challenges, learning curves, and moments of doubt. I took on this project when I was only 20 years old and still in school full-time, which added an extra layer of difficulty. Balancing my studies while trying to open a business was no easy task, but I was determined to make it work.
On top of that, while I had experience managing coffee shops, I had never run a business from the ground up before. Managing a store and owning one are two very different things. There were so many aspects I had to learn on the fly—permitting, build-outs, vendor negotiations, accounting, and just the overall pressure of making big financial decisions. Suddenly, I wasn’t just thinking about coffee operations; I had to think about long-term sustainability, branding, marketing, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a business.
Funding was also a major hurdle. While my uncle’s investment and my savings helped get things off the ground, budgeting for everything—especially unexpected costs—was a constant challenge. It’s one thing to plan for equipment and renovations, but it’s another to realize just how many little expenses add up along the way.
Then there was the pressure of entering the market as a young entrepreneur. Being taken seriously in the industry wasn’t always easy. I had to prove that I wasn’t just another coffee enthusiast—I was someone with a real vision and the dedication to execute it.
That being said, every challenge has been a learning experience. I’ve had to adapt quickly, lean on my mentors, and trust myself even when things felt overwhelming. The struggles have only made me more determined to build something lasting—not just for myself, but for the community Vela Coffee serves.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vela Coffee?
Vela Coffee is more than just a specialty coffee shop—it’s a one-stop shop for all things local in San Antonio. We focus on high-quality, locally sourced coffee and products, partnering with businesses in the San Antonio area for everything from our beans to our pastries and merchandise.
What sets us apart is our commitment to community and authenticity. While downtown San Antonio is working to attract more locals, we wanted to be part of that movement, creating a space that feels just as inviting for residents as it does for visitors.
I took on this project at 20 years old while still in school full-time, and while I had managed coffee shops before, running a business was a whole new challenge. But my passion for coffee and community pushed me forward.
We’re most proud of staying true to our values—supporting local, fostering connection, and offering an experience that goes beyond just great coffee. When you visit Vela Coffee, you’re not just getting a cup of coffee; you’re supporting local businesses and investing in San Antonio’s vibrant culture.
We invite you to stop by, experience our space, and be part of something bigger—where coffee meets community.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by how fulfilled and satisfied you are with what you’ve achieved in life. It’s not about a universal benchmark—it’s a deeply personal measure that reflects the challenges you’ve overcome and the milestones that have shaped your journey.
For me, success isn’t just about business growth or financial gain; it’s about building something meaningful, making an impact, and staying true to my vision. It’s about knowing that I’ve created a space that supports local businesses, fosters community, and brings people together.
At the end of the day, success is about looking at where you are and feeling proud—not just of the accomplishments, but of the journey that got you there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velacoffeesatx/
