Life & Work with Ahtziri Romero of Hawaiian Gardens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahtziri Romero

Hi ahtziri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One&Only Coffee Bar came to my idea when I lost my corporate job on Aug. 2023. At the time, I was a single mom to a one-year old still trying to figure out. When the news came, I freaked out and did not know what I was going to do. For once, I did not have a back up plan. As I was searching for jobs which I did not receive any luck, it occurred to me to start an Instagram page of my daily lattes I prepared at home. Soon, I began selling them from my house and that is when my business journey began.

Now, I have a mobile coffee cart and serve at Corporate, Private, Local Community, and Pop-Up events. I am definitely not stopping here and plan to expand more in the future. The support I have received, is out of this world and I am so happy I put my trust in God and took the leap of faith.

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?
It has not been a smooth road we have faced challenges along the way. One of them being finances, it has taken a lot of my savings to get everything I currently have. I did not have much when I started my business nor did I know how to calculate the earnings and expenses of making coffee.

Another struggle is that I have a little one who requires a lot of attention. Although my mom helps me with my daughter, there are days where she only wants mommy but I cannot attend her because I have clients to attend first. I try my best to multitask, I’ll have her on my hip while I try to create a latte so it is made with extra love from my little and I. Also, my business requires being active on the socials like Tik Tok and Instragram so finding the balance between motherhood and being a business owner has been the most challenging however, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I am blessed to have this opportunity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I graduated from UC Davis in 2021 with a B.A. in Communications of Arts. As I was seeking my first job in corporate America, I started a side picnic business. That was great and genuinely enjoyed it but I had just graduated therefore, my focus was to find a corporate job. I landed my first role as a Recruiting Coordinator for Cambrian Home Care in Long Beach. Fast forward, I got pregnant, had a baby, and after maternity leave I pursued a new role that allowed to work from home while I took care my baby. Worked at Babylon Health for a year and a half when I was laid off and decided to end my journey in corporate America because I no longer want to live with the fear of when will be the next lay off season.

From there, I decided to implement everything I knew from all my roles and decided to focus on my coffee business journey and I became a substitute teacher on the side. I love being a substitute, not only is the schedule flexible but working with the kiddos has given me a different perspective on the education system and has given a new level of respect for all administrators in education.

What sets me apart from others is my determination to keep moving. Despite, the challenges like becoming a single mom, loosing my job and others, I still strived for better and never gave up. It also helps that I am an optimistic person and see the good in everything. I am always thankful for the most simple things in life that we may take for granted and that has changed my whole perspective on how I view life and the way I think.

How do you think about happiness?
My daughter, Adalee Rose makes me happy. I never thought I would say this but I love being a mom. It has gave me a purpose in life to strive for better. It has been the most challenging yet rewarding journey of all. However, it would not have been possible without God, I have been to my last dollar and somehow God has always provided for me and has never left me out of sight. If you seek Him, you will find Him. Without my faith and daughter I don’t think I would be content in this life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneandonlycoffeebar/

Image Credits
@lomeli.lenzz on Instragram