Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaimelene Salgado.
Hi Jaimelene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jaimelene, or Jaime! I am 29 years old and I own two coffee shops with my brother Ernie. Our journey started as an opportunity. I became employed by this cute little coffee shop in downtown Ventura, which opened many doors for me. Fast forward 4 years, a few promotions, some schooling (first generation graduate, woo), and lots of coffee….I was given the opportunity to purchase the shop I was employed by. This is where my brother comes in, as I called him asking for advice and we then joined forces and took a crazy risk and opportunity. Fast forward another 3 years and that’s how we got here! Daylight and Moon Cafe is a family owned business (and our second coffee shop). My brother, Ernie, and I took over ownership from the previous owner about seven months ago. With a similar timeline from our first coffee shop, we took the risk and opportunity to do it again. We are so happy to be in Ventura and we are so blessed with the support form our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of being a business owner is very bittersweet. There are times where it makes you question your life decisions and other times where you feel so lucky and blessed to call this your life….but most of the time – it’s so rewarding and very eye opening. The main thing I’ve learned as a small business owner is that time, consistency, and so much effort goes such a long way! This journey has not been the smoothest road but it really is a journey reflective of what you make of it. One of the main things that may be considered a struggle is how much we actually work. Being in business for almost 8 years, there are days where I want to “call out” or not be responsible for others and my obligations but regardless they are my duties. Sometimes I reflect on how this is my life and how blessed I am to say, “I own two coffee shops”. The struggles come with life but it is very worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Daylight and Moon cafe is a specialty coffee shop serving local coffee, toasts, and pastries such as empanadas. We are proud to be a local family owned business. We are happy to build a safe space and community in the Midtown Ventura Area. We take pride in offering simple, clean, and good items in our cafe. We partner with other local businesses for our ingredients, coffee, and other necessities needed for our menu.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I believe networking is huge in the small business community. It is so important to learn and grow and understand others surrounding you. I am a firm believer in supporting small in my community and other coffee shops in the area. In todays society, it is very easy to fall into convenience and to take the more simple route as a consumer but I believe the community in small business is important. Networking such as showing up to local events and building a community can be so beneficial in many ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daylightandmooncafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/daylightandmooncafe/
- Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/stories/daylightandmooncafe/
