Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Couch.
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Professionally, I started my career in banking, where I developed skills in Process Improvement, leadership and problem solving. Over the years I had opportunities to grow, take on new challenges, and learn how to lead teams to improve operations.
At the same time I had a dream of owning a business of my own that involved my personal passions. What started as a cottage baking business out of my home, Moonrise Cakes and Cookies, eventually led to opening Moonrise Cafe. Building the cafe has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of community. Today I balance both worlds, working in process improvement and running the cafe. I could not do it without my amazing team at the cafe who continue operations daily. Each experience has shaped who I am as a leader and both have reinforced my passion for serving others, building relationships and continuously growing and learning.
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?
If it had been a smooth road, I wouldn’t have learned nearly as much. Some of the biggest struggles came from learning that I need to be true to myself and vision of my business. Now that we have completely taken over a new concept it feels authentically me. We are a modern but rustic community cafe where young professionals come to take a zoom call, and where Mom’s come to let their kids play while catching up over a cup of coffee. Balancing my life has been difficult, but because I have the most amazing husband, parents, family and staff, I am truly blessed with the best help I could imagine. I have a career, own a cafe, and we have a daughter. Life is busy, but full of goodness too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say what I’m most known for is building relationships and creating environments where people feel valued. The staff sets us apart. I get messages and compliments daily on how happy, warm, and inviting people feel when they enter the cafe. We focus on serving people first. We also have fun! We are really focusing on our social media platforms right now trying to get our name out there. Moonrise Cafe is here to create a community space where people feel welcomed and connected. What sets me apart is I bring both analytical and entrepreneurial perspectives. I can look at data, processes, and strategy, but I also understand the human side of business. I genuinely care about people and I think the combination of operational thinking and relationship building has helped me hit the ground running here.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Luling is just nestled between San Antonio and Austin, and we are on your route if your driving out to Houston. What I like best about this city is we have the most lovely quiet community, but we still get those travelers coming through and we can give them that little town feel and a good meal on the way!
I would love to see more places for visitors to shop and visit and a full and thriving main street!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonrisecafetx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Moonrise-Cafe-61586584162089/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonrise.cafe
