Community Highlights: Meet Mohammad Shawahin of Peregrines coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mohammad Shawahin.

Hi Mohammad, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to the United States in April 2016 as an immigrant with a big dream. I landed in Los Angeles just two days before my birthday, and I immediately realized how much bigger this country — and its possibilities — were than I had imagined.

When I first arrived, I had no money and no stability. I lived inside my uncle’s rug shop, Hannoun Rugs, sleeping in the back of the store. In exchange, I worked there selling Moroccan rugs and earning commission. It wasn’t easy, but those years taught me discipline, responsibility, and what it really takes to survive in the U.S.

Over time, I realized that while I respected my uncle’s passion, it wasn’t mine. I wanted freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of choice, and financial independence. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I didn’t yet know in what field.

While working at the rug shop, I met people who were involved in hosting private events. Helping them opened my eyes to a world I truly enjoyed: bringing people together, creating experiences, and serving something meaningful. That’s when I started looking for my own opportunity.

One day, I found scrap wood from a pallet in an alley and decided to build something with it. With no professional tools and no experience, I built my first coffee cart entirely by hand. Around the same time, I bought a small espresso machine and taught myself latte art by watching videos. Within weeks, coffee became more than a skill — it became a passion.

I quickly realized that if I wanted to take this seriously, I needed to do it professionally. I redesigned and rebuilt the cart, figured out water systems, power, sanitation, and all the technical challenges one by one. Because I studied graphic design in Jordan, I created my own brand and logo, which helped keep costs low while building something high-end.

My first events were small — gyms, private gatherings — but people loved the concept. Eventually, I landed my first major private event for a high-profile corporate client at a luxury residence. That moment gave me confidence and real exposure.

From there, I kept pushing. When events slowed down, I adapted. I reached out to real estate companies and offered coffee service for open houses. One of those opportunities turned into something bigger — a partnership that allowed me to open my first brick-and-mortar coffee shop while continuing my event business.

Today, I own a coffee shop in Downtown Los Angeles and operate a mobile coffee and event service across California. What started as scrap wood and survival turned into a business built on persistence, creativity, and adaptability. My journey is proof that opportunity exists everywhere — but only if you’re willing to look for it and work for it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was far from smooth. The biggest challenge was financial pressure. While I was building my business, I was also working delivery jobs just to cover basic living expenses. Progress was slow, and every step required careful decisions.

To launch my coffee cart properly, I had to invest in essential equipment — an espresso machine, grinder, water pump, sanitation system, and materials to rebuild the cart professionally. I took out a loan to make it happen, which added pressure because I had to build the business while actively paying it back.

Another major challenge was that I had no mentor or formal guidance. I had to figure out everything on my own — from choosing the correct water pump and electrical setup to meeting health and safety requirements. Most solutions came from long nights of research, trial and error, and asking questions whenever I met someone more experienced.

What made the difference was my mindset. Instead of seeing problems as setbacks, I treated them as lessons. Every obstacle forced me to learn a new skill, improve the system, and become more resourceful. Over time, those challenges shaped not just the business, but me as an entrepreneur.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Peregrines Coffee is a luxury coffee catering brand specializing in high-end private and corporate events. We operate premium mobile coffee carts and provide full-service coffee experiences for events ranging from intimate gatherings of 50 guests to large-scale events serving hundreds or even thousands of people.

Our core focus is event-based service — including corporate events, brand activations, weddings, private celebrations, and curated experiences for event planners and luxury clients. What sets us apart is our ability to combine speed, quality, and aesthetics without compromise.

We specialize in luxury and specialty coffee beverages that go beyond standard café menus. Our offerings include signature flavors such as cardamom lattes, pistachio lattes, premium matcha drinks, Nutella and Biscoff lattes, and other elevated options typically found only in high-end cafés. We bring these flavors directly to events, allowing guests to enjoy a refined coffee experience in any setting.

Peregrines Coffee is also known for fast and efficient service, even during high-volume events. Our systems and team are designed to deliver drinks quickly while maintaining consistent quality — a critical factor for large corporate and social gatherings.

Customization is a major part of our brand. We offer personalized service packages designed to fit different budgets, event sizes, and formats. From custom-designed carts and branded cups to fully tailored menus, we work closely with clients to align our setup with their vision.

One of our signature add-ons is our latte printer service, which allows guests to have their name, logo, or even a photo printed directly onto their drink using edible ink. This feature is especially popular for brand activations, corporate events, and weddings, adding a memorable and interactive element to the experience.

What we are most proud of is our flexibility and attention to detail. Every event is different, and we approach each one as a custom project — adapting our service, design, and workflow to create a seamless and elevated guest experience. Our goal is to make luxury coffee accessible anywhere, without losing the exclusivity, quality, or visual impact.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I’d like readers to know is that no business is built overnight. What people usually see is the final result, not the years of uncertainty, trial and error, and persistence behind it.

As an immigrant, I learned that success in the U.S. doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities — it comes from creating them. You don’t need perfect timing or perfect conditions. You need the willingness to start, adapt, and keep moving forward even when progress feels slow.

If my journey shows anything, it’s that resourcefulness, consistency, and belief in your vision can turn the smallest idea into something real.

Pricing:

• Event-based pricing tailored to guest count, duration, and level of customization
• Packages available to fit different budgets and event formats
• Pricing typically starts in the mid-hundreds for smaller private events
• Corporate events, weddings, and large-scale activations are quoted individually
• Custom add-ons available, including branded cups, specialty menus, and latte printing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peregrinescoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peregrinescoffee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566424784727