Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Tapia Ortega
Hi Daniela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our Journey at TLC Coffee Co.
TLC Coffee Co. is the realization of a long-time dream shared between my mom, Maria Elena, and I. My barista journey began at Tierra Mia Coffee 11 years ago, where I developed a deep passion for crafting exceptional drinks. After working in K-12 education focused on special education, I found my way back to coffee during the pandemic through an opportunity at Primo Passo Co. in Santa Monica. My last role was at Gnarwhal Coffee Co. in Venice, where I connected with some truly magical humans. These experiences, especially in high-paced coffee shops, helped me refine my craft and build meaningful relationships.
In 2022, I transitioned to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where I currently serve as the supervisor for Community Health Education. In this role, I oversee a dedicated team of community health workers who play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare and the community. Together, we strive to ensure that families have access to essential resources and information, empowering them to take charge of their health. This work has deepened my commitment to community well-being, perfectly complementing my passion for building connections through TLC Coffee Co.
Despite years of experience, I initially doubted my ability to run a business. However, with my mom’s unwavering support, we decided to bring our vision to life. In June 2023, we launched TLC Coffee Co. as a mobile coffee catering company. Since then, we’ve lost count of the number of events and pop-ups we’ve catered, and we’re incredibly grateful for every opportunity.
We now have a residency at El Sereno Green Grocer, where we’re thrilled to be part of such a supportive community. A big shout-out to Erika, Patricia, and the entire El Sereno community for embracing us. You can find us there on selected Saturday and Sunday mornings, serving up our signature drinks.
Our menu blends tradition with creativity, showcasing our commitment to high-quality ingredients. From our TLC Hazelnut Latte and TLC Vanilla Latte with house-made syrups to unique options like the Horchata Latte, Honey Lavender Latte, and our beautifully crafted Rose Matcha Latte, every drink is made with premium ingredients. Our Iced Matcha with Rose Cream Top is a standout favorite.
Tender Loving Care is at the heart of TLC Coffee Co. We pour warmth, love, and connection into every cup, aiming to provide more than just great coffee. As I pursue a master’s degree in social work, my dedication to community health and care deeply influences our mission.
We’re grateful for the journey so far and look forward to continuing to serve and connect with our community through every private event and at our residency. Whether you’re enjoying a Honey Vanilla Latte, a Strawberry Date Matcha, or any of our specialty drinks, we hope each sip reflects the care and quality we strive to offer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to establishing TLC Coffee Co. hasn’t been entirely smooth, but it’s been a journey filled with growth and resilience.
Launching a business after the pandemic came with its own set of challenges. The landscape had changed, and we had to navigate through uncertainties and adapt to a new normal. Despite the hurdles, we were determined to bring our vision to life.
Like mentioned earlier, even with years of experience, I doubted my ability to run a business. Transitioning from a barista to a business owner was daunting, and overcoming those doubts took a lot of courage and support from my family and closest friends.
As a mobile coffee catering company, establishing ourselves and building a loyal customer base has taken time. We have been able to make wonderful connections along the way and create opportunities for ourselves in a competitive market. We continue to build our following organically.
Operating as a mobile business involves a lot of logistics, from setting up at different locations to ensuring we have all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Managing these details while maintaining high standards of service has been a learning experience.
Juggling my responsibilities as a grad student in social work, working in community health, and running a business has been challenging. Finding the balance between these roles while ensuring TLC Coffee Co. thrives has required careful time management and support from my family.
Despite these challenges, each experience has been an opportunity for growth and learning. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our community and the joy we find in serving our customers. Every struggle has made us stronger and more determined to continue on this journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TLC Coffee Company?
At TLC Coffee Co., we’re dedicated to serving more than just exceptional coffee and tea. Founded by a passionate mother-daughter duo, we are a mobile coffee catering company based in South LA. Our focus is on creating unique, high-quality beverages with a deep commitment to community and connection.
We provide a diverse menu that blends tradition with creativity, featuring both classic and innovative drinks. Our specialties include:
Our Horchata Latte, Chocolate Mexicano, Honey Lavender Latte, Dulzura Latte to the Rose Matcha Latte and Strawberry Date Matcha
Unique Offerings: Our TLC Hazelnut Latte and TLC Vanilla Latte, both made with house-made syrups
Premium Matcha: Our Iced Matcha Latte with Rose Cream top is a standout favorite, crafted with high-quality matcha, organic rose syrup and topped with rose petals
What Sets Us Apart:
1. Tender Loving Care: As our name suggests, TLC Coffee Co. is all about the care we put into every aspect of our service. From the quality of our ingredients to the warmth of our interactions, we strive to create a deeply satisfying experience for our customers.
2. High-Quality Ingredients: We use only the best ingredients to ensure our drinks are both delicious and nourishing. Our matcha is sourced for its premium quality, and we craft some of our syrups in-house to ensure the freshest flavors, free from preservatives and artificial coloring. We ensure the rest of our products are of highest quality and organic.
3. Mobile Catering: Our mobile setup allows us to bring our exceptional coffee and tea directly to various events, businesses, and community gatherings. This flexibility helps us serve a wide range of clients and adapt to their unique needs. We have had the pleasure of catering a variety of events, including weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, teacher appreciation events, employee appreciation events, open houses and many others. Each event is an opportunity for us to bring our passion for coffee and connection to different celebrations and gatherings.
4. Community Focus: We’re deeply committed to building connections within our community. Our residency at El Sereno Green Grocer and our engagement with local events reflect our dedication to supporting and being a part of the communities we serve.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We take immense pride in the relationships we’ve built with our customers and the community. Losing count of the number of events and pop-ups we’ve catered is a testament to the trust and support we’ve received. Our residency at El Sereno Green Grocer is another highlight, symbolizing the strong local connections we’ve fostered.
What We Want Readers to Know:
TLC Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee catering service; it’s a reflection of our values and passion for serving with care. We invite you to experience the quality we pour into every drink. Whether you’re enjoying one of our signature lattes, a unique matcha creation, or simply connecting with us at one of our events, we hope you feel the warmth and dedication that define our brand. Give us a call or email us when planning your next special event!
(323) 875-8230
[email protected]
Any big plans?
As we continue to grow and evolve, we have exciting plans for the future of TLC Coffee Co. Our goal is to expand our reach, deepen our community connections, and continue delivering exceptional coffee and tea experiences.
We plan to increase the number of events and pop-ups we cater, bringing our unique coffee and tea offerings to more communities across LA. We’re excited to explore new locations and opportunities to connect with a wider audience.
We’re constantly inspired by new flavors and trends in the coffee and tea world. In the coming months, we’ll be introducing new and seasonal menu items to keep our offerings fresh and exciting. We just recently began offering a house-made Pumpkin Bliss latte-made with organic pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and sweetened with piloncillo.
We are committed to supporting and being an active part of the communities we serve. We hope to continuing being a part of community-focused events and collaborations, creating opportunities for people to come together and enjoy great coffee while building connections.
As part of our commitment to quality and care, we’re exploring ways to implement more sustainable practices in our operations. This includes looking into eco-friendly packaging and reducing our environmental footprint.
As we grow, we’re excited to bring more passionate individuals onto our team. This will help us enhance our service and continue to offer the personalized, caring experience that our customers love.
Looking ahead, one of our long-term goals is to open a brick-and-mortar location. We envision a welcoming space where our community can gather to enjoy our coffee and tea offerings, experiencing the warmth of TLC Coffee Co. In addition to creating an inviting atmosphere, we are committed to hiring adults with special needs, providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment. I still stay in touch with some of my former students, who are now young adults eager to work, and I’m excited about the possibility of creating a supportive workplace for them.
Overall, we’re excited about the future and the opportunities it brings. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service and fostering meaningful connections. We look forward to sharing our journey with you and continuing to grow as a cherished part of the community.
Pricing:
- please contact for pricing as this varies depending on number of guests, hours of service requested
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tlccoffeeco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tlc-coffee-company-firestone-park-2
