Hidden Gems: Meet Jacqueline Gutierrez of Grow Love Coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Gutierrez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Grow Love Coffee, a mobile espresso bar emerged from my love and passion for coffee. I would constantly brew up ideas on the notes app on my phone. I love drinking coffee and trying new coffee shops in the LA area. I knew I wanted to create a mobile espresso bar to serve the community of the San Fernando Valley. I began working as a barista in 2019 at a local coffee shop in Valley Village. The pandemic left me without a job so I applied to a well known coffeehouse in 2020. I’ve been a barista trainer for 5 years. I learned how to teach new baristas about coffee culture and the art of hospitality.
As a barista, I enjoy creating aesthetic lattes that taste balanced, smooth, and flavorful. I take pride in every coffee I make and serve the customer. I view every customer as family and want them to leave caffeinated and satisfied. At home, I would practice my latte recipes, latte art and create my own homemade coffee syrups. I would have my family taste test my lattes and give me feedback. This was part of the development stage of Grow Love Coffee.

In 2025, I enrolled in a 8 week Barista Apprenticeship program in DTLA. I learned about Specialty Coffee preparation, latte art, and barista skills for high-volume stores. This hands-on immersive program elevated my coffee knowledge. I love recommending coffee beans based on an individual’s taste profile. Preparation and love is key for all that I do for my business. Grow Love Coffee is a representation of my creative visions and preparation.

In 2025, my high school friend, Maritza, asked me to be a barista for her wedding in April 2025. I immediately said YES, I will do it! This was the push I needed to launch my mobile espresso bar business. I had been brewing up the idea since 2020, it was time to bring my ideas into fruition. I was mentally and physically preparing myself to serve 120 guests at the Lombardi House event venue in Hollywood, California. This event was a success thanks to the help of my boyfriend, Mark and my sister, Estefania, who helped me set up and serve our guests. I want to continue delivering my mobile espresso bar services to weddings in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.

The months leading up to the wedding, I practiced my lattes and prepared my coffee cart. Before the wedding, my boyfriend’s sister, Rocio, invited me to serve coffee at her wellness event. This event served as our trial and error because it helped me learn about my workflow and what kind of espresso machine I needed for a high-volume event. I began to do my research and visit many coffee roasters and espresso machine stores in Los Angeles.

With the support of my family and friends, I felt ready to expand my barista services to clients in the Valley and Los Angeles area. Between balancing full-time school, work and creating my coffee cart, I learn to prioritize my mental health. I was doing private events but I still felt like I was not prepared to fully launch my idea to the public. I knew I wanted to eventually dedicate more time to Grow Love Coffee but the fear of the unknown kept me stuck. The opportunities of visibility and exposure for Grow Love Coffee came to me in 2026.

In January 2026, I had the opportunity to teach a Home Coffee Basics workshop at the Santa Clarita Public Library. I connected with the local community and walked them through how to prepare their coffee at home using different brewing methods accessible to beginners. I hope to continue teaching more workshops on coffee in the future.

Recently, I was invited me to be a community partner for the Becoming Ella Wellness event on April 26, 2026 at the Loft & Bloom Event space in Downtown LA. In collaboration with Brenda from Elev8 Planning and Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen, we sponsored matcha lattes for 80 guests and served our lattes. This was the momentum we needed to launch our Brews and Boom popups in collaboration with my friend, Gabby, from Mi Florecita Flower Shop and Loft and Bloom Space. We have been receiving amazing feedback from our customers. They have the chance to buy coffee and flowers in one stop. My heart is full of gratitude from seeing customers return to buy our lattes. It goes beyond serving them coffee, it’s the human connection and conversation that leaves me feeling invigorated and ready to serve my purpose in the coffee industry.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a first-generation Latina, my small business has been fueled by community efforts and perseverance. In 2020, I invested in a Breville Dual-Boiler espresso machine I found from Facebook Marketplace at a discounted price. I spent months researching where to buy my inventory such as quality coffee beans, cups, lids, syrups, milk, and ice. I found a local family owned coffee roaster in Van Nuys,California called Moonlight Coffee Roasters. They provide me with quality espresso beans for my events. My boyfriend, Mark, helped me design and built our first coffee cart. I invested time, money, and energy to create Grow Love Coffee. We are constantly developing and brainstorming new ideas for the business.

The startup cost can be discouraging at first because I was using my savings to invest in my espresso machine, coffee tools, and inventory. I knew that this initial investment was going to pay off in the future because I am doing something I am passionate about. I am building the foundation for our business. If God gave you the idea, he will also provide you with tools and knowledge you need to achieve your goals.
It takes a village to blossom. My family and friends have been so supportive of my business. I am grateful to have their encouragement to keep going and continue to believe in myself. I encourage you to take action even when you feel you are not fully ready. Gain momentum from each small step you take for your business. The world needs to see your gifts and creative ideas. We are waiting for you!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a First-Generation College student at UCLA and business owner of Grow Love Coffee. I am a Latina born and raised in Sylmar, California. My upbringings have shaped who I am as a student and business owner. I grew up learning about entrepreneurship and financial literacy through my dad, Roberto, who is self-employed. He came from Tecalitlan, Jalisco and learned how to install hardwood floors at his first warehouse job. He saved money to buy his own tools and created his own business. My parents’ work ethic inspired me to obtain a college degree and create my own business.
I want Grow Love Coffee to become a coffee shop with a community space for students, families, and creatives to interact and connect. I am proud of taking initiative and following my dreams of owning a coffee shop. Something that was once an idea turned into reality with the support of my community. As of now, I am establishing the foundation for the future of Grow Love Coffee. I want my business to be by the community and for the community. I want to collaborate with other Latina entrepreneurs and community organizations. In the Latinx community, having a cafecito is accompanied by pan dulce and a heartfelt conversation. I envision my coffee shop to provide a safe space for these interactions to happen.
As of now, I am providing mobile espresso cart services for any special occasion in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Area. I would love to create a memorable coffee experience for you and your guests. Grow Love Coffee pours love into every cup and interaction.

What makes you happy?
Happiness comes from doing what I love. I am an advocate for mental health and holistic wellbeing. My work needs to align with my values and goals. When I am creating a business rooted in love, purpose, and intention, the labor feels rewarding to the soul. I love having a balance between my professional life and personal life. I love spending quality time with my family: Rosa, Roberto, Estefania, and Mark.
I approach life with a positive outlook and see every experience as a learning opportunity. I am blessed to be pursuing my passion for coffee and mental health. I want to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and help individuals understand their emotions and navigate life with ease. I want to bridge my love for coffee and mental health by creating a coffee shop with space for community programs rooted in wellness and holistic wellbeing. Happiness is an internal feeling that can be spread to others. I choose to find joy everyday by romanticizing my life and the future I am creating for myself and my family. I am blessed and happy to be surrounded by love, friends, and family.

Pricing:

• Full Mobile Espresso Cart Experience: Starting at $650 included 4 hours of Barista Service, 4 lattes of your choice, 2 milk choices, customizable cups. We would love to make your event memorable with lattes for you and your guests.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growlovecoffee/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrowLoveCoffee
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@growlovecoffee

Image Credits
Gabby, Mi Florecita Flowershop
Mark Corona