Meet Samantha Rico Manzanedo | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Rico Manzanedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important key factors of my success with owning a coffee business is having the drive and willpower to keep moving towards a goal. Putting in the hard work especially on days when you’re exhausted, having resilience when there are setbacks, having confidence in your work but also having passion for what you’re doing. I believe what you put out into the world is what you get back. So when I am able to as a small business we try to give back to our community whether that’s sponsoring events in our town, helping the animal shelter with treats and food, and also sponsoring youth sports teams. It’s also important to have a great support system from friends, family, and the community. That’s what helps a business succeeds.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hermanas Cafe- Coffee Shop and More, a small business nestled in Coolidge, Arizona, specializes in espresso-based drinks and a variety of non-coffee beverages. As part of our commitment to the community, a portion of every sale goes back into supporting local initiatives.

In February 2023, we embarked on a new journey by starting to make coffee at home for friends and family. The word spread rapidly about our one of a kind drinks, and we soon realized that we needed to establish a permanent location to meet the growing demand. However, the process was delayed due to the construction of a trailer. Nevertheless, we officially opened our mobile unit by the end of August after obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and installing the equipment.

Starting a business can be an arduous task, especially for first-time owners. However, investing time in research and seeking guidance from experienced individuals can significantly enhance the success of your venture.

One of the challenges we encountered during our first year was the issue of equipment malfunctions and the lack of backup systems. Despite these setbacks, we persevered and continued to strive for excellence in our craft.

Hermanas Cafe is not just a place to get a drink; it’s a community hub where our customers become our extended family. We take pride in crafting not only delicious beverages but also fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with love and laughter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my besties came to town, I’d start with a yummy breakfast at our go-to spot, Gilbert’s- Hen House Cafe. Then, we’d hit up Chandler Mall for some retail therapy. After that, we’d head back to my hometown to show them around our coffee trailer. We’d grab some pizza from T&M and end the night at a local bar called the Grotto. They’d catch the Coolidge comedy hour show, sip on some drinks, and we’d catch up and play some games.

There’s so much fun stuff to do around here that we’re spoiled for choices. Traveling would be a must, but it’s totally worth it. Everyone here is super friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A group of incredible individuals that I would like to express my gratitude to is my support system that makes running a business a breeze and an absolute pleasure. First and foremost, I want to thank my husband, Thomas, for his support, hard work, and countless hours lending a hand to help me. Additionally, I am deeply grateful to my grandparents and parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. My sister Sara for taking a risk and joining me on this journey and all the encouragement and ideas, and my group of fantastic girls who assist with the window work—Maribel, Evani, Jade, and Karina—are also instrumental in making this journey possible.

Website: https://www.hermanascafeaz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermanascafe_?igsh=ODB0d2tyYWFkOTFi&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15MfxRVHQ6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: Google: https://www.hermanascafeaz.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hermanascafe_?_t=ZT-8txBuv4GGux&_r=1

Image Credits
Eloy Fire Dept. Pic – Micaela Unger
All other pictures – Samantha Rico Manzanedo