Updated January 2, 2023 | 7:23PM MST
WALK-IN MOBILE COFFEE SHOP – SUENOS COFFEE CO.
Alvaro Hernandez, also known as Al, is the founder, owner, and operator of Suenos Coffee Co. and Sugar N Glitz mobile units. Before starting his own business, Al worked in sales management for HVAC. However, he left his high-paying job to pursue his dream of owning a business after his 12-year-old daughter founded Sugar N Glitz during the pandemic in September 2020. Al's family, including his wife and children, are his main motivation and he hopes to establish generational wealth for his descendants. Growing up in Roswell, NM, Al's mother always told him that hard work is a constant in life, but Al wants to break the cycle of poverty and show his children that it is possible to overcome challenges with hard work and faith.
Suenos Coffee Co. and Sugar N Glitz were founded with a passion for coffee and the desire to share it with others through a mobile unit that brings the upscale coffee shop experience to any event in the community. Al built the custom trailer himself and wants to change the perception of what a "food truck" is. In the cozy and welcoming setting of the walk-in trailer, customers can enjoy a fresh and handcrafted latte and feel like they are at home. Suenos Coffee Co. only serves locally roasted coffee to support local businesses and ensure the highest quality products for customers. Check out their website to find out where they will be next, book them for a private event, or order a bottled latte to be delivered to your place of business.
Suenos Coffee Co. and Sugar N Glitz were founded in 2020 during the pandemic when our daughter, who was then 12 years old, had a lot of extra time on her hands due to the closure of her middle school and the suspension of her cheerleading activities. She discovered a passion for baking and, as demand for her products grew, we decided to build a mobile trailer that could serve as a commercial bakery and coffee shop. We were inspired by food trucks and saw a mobile unit as a more feasible option than a traditional brick-and-mortar business, which can be costly and require long-term contracts. My daughter named the trailer Sugar N Glitz, and, in February 2021, I completed and launched a second custom-built trailer, Suenos Coffee Co., to offer a walk-in mobile coffee shop experience. Despite these challenges, our passion for coffee and baked goods drives us to keep pushing forward and serving our community.
Running a business can be stressful, especially when you are also responsible for being an employee, parent, and operator all at the same time. At Suenos Coffee Co. and Sugar N Glitz, we rely on our strong Christian faith to help us overcome challenges and remain focused on our passion for coffee and baked goods. We remind ourselves that we cannot control everything and that things will inevitably go wrong, break, or disappoint us. However, we believe that God is in control and that helps us get through difficult times.
One challenge that we have noticed in the coffee industry is the lack of continuing education opportunities. Many people have become accustomed to the fast-food version of coffee that is widely available, and the true craft of coffee has been lost. When I was seeking to expand my knowledge of coffee, I struggled to find local classes, courses, or even tours of roasting companies that could share their expertise. At Suenos Coffee Co. and Sugar N Glitz, we believe that the world needs to know more about the true taste of coffee, the art of roasting, and the various ways that coffee can be served. We also believe that quality coffee does not have to come from a brick-and-mortar shop and that, with the right information and support from local coffee experts, anyone can be a barista at home.
Since the beginning of our business, Suenos Coffee Co., and Sugar N Glitz, we have been blessed with the opportunity to teach private classes for local organizations. We do not consider ourselves to be "gatekeepers" of knowledge and are always willing to share our experience and expertise with anyone who is interested in learning more about coffee. We hope to continue offering detailed workshops and empowering others to pursue their passions, just as we did.
Starting a business can be intimidating, and it's easy to talk ourselves out of it before we even start. However, it's important to remember that crazy ideas are often the best ones and that it's okay to not have a specific plan. Just focus on the product or service that you are passionate about and know that it will be hard, but you must keep going. Keep your eye on your goals and don't let setbacks or burnout discourage you. It's also important to surround yourself with a supportive network of people who believe in you and your dreams. Finally, don't be afraid to follow your dreams now, even if others don't understand or approve of your plans. You don't need anyone's permission to pursue your passion.
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