Meet Melissa Villanueva

We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Villanueva recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
For most of my life, I mistakenly equated confidence with outshining others in any given room. I dedicated myself to becoming the best in areas where I excelled, believing that being the most ‘confident’ or ‘impressive’ was the goal. However, this approach led me to a realization: my focus was too inward, centered on my own achievements rather than the broader impact of our work. With time, I’ve learned the importance of shifting my perspective. I’ve moved away from measuring my worth through comparisons and towards embracing authenticity in every aspect of my life. This shift has not only been liberating but has also cultivated a deeper, more genuine confidence than I’ve ever experienced. It’s about making a meaningful impact, not just being seen as ‘the best’.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Ever look on Craigslist for an espresso machine only to end up buying an entire coffee shop instead? That’s the Brewpoint Coffee origin story in a nutshell. It’s a wild start, but it laid the foundation for everything we’re about: community, connection, and, of course, great coffee. I’m the CEO and founder, and every step of this journey has been about bringing people together. At this point, we are 10 years in with four coffee shops, coffee manufacturing, and a notable event space focusing on entrepreneurial events for diverse owners in the Chicagoland area.

Now, we’re gearing up for our most ambitious project yet—a shared coffee roastery right here in the suburbs of Chicago. But it’s not just any roastery. We’re creating a collaborative space where the local coffee community can thrive.

Whether you want to rent time on our roasting equipment, engage in custom roasting services, or maximize our robust wholesale B2B program we are ready to build a stronger coffee community. We’re not just opening another cafe; we’re building a place where the local coffee community can come together, learn from each other, and grow. This roastery is about making the coffee world a bit more accessible and a lot more inclusive.

Brewpoint has always been about connecting people, and with this roastery, we’re taking that to the next level. We want to create a space where anyone interested in coffee—from novices to seasoned roasters—can share their passion and learn something new. It’s a big dream, but hey, so was buying a coffee shop off Craigslist. We plan on launching this new business right in time for the Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago this April 2024.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on the winding path that led to Brewpoint Coffee, three pivotal qualities stand out: resilience, community-building, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Resilience has been the bedrock of my journey. Starting a business, especially under unconventional circumstances (like buying a coffee shop off Craigslist!), tests your mettle in ways you can’t imagine. There were countless moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and challenges that seemed insurmountable. My advice to those at the start of their journey is to cultivate resilience by embracing failure as part of your growth. Don’t shy away from the tough times; instead, see them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and come back stronger.

Community-building is at the heart of everything we do at Brewpoint. Creating a space that fosters connection and belonging has not only been rewarding but also critical to our success. To anyone looking to make an impact, remember that your venture doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Engage with your community, listen to their needs, and find ways to serve and support them. Success is more fulfilling when it uplifts others along with you.

A commitment to learning has been my compass. The coffee industry, like any other, is constantly evolving. Staying curious, open to new ideas, and willing to invest in your education—whether it’s about the craft of coffee, business management, or understanding the needs of your community—will keep you relevant and innovative. For those just beginning, cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning. Attend workshops, seek mentors, and never assume you have all the answers. The more you know, the more you realize there’s so much more to learn.

To anyone embarking on this journey, remember that these qualities don’t develop overnight. They require patience, persistence, and a genuine passion for what you do. Focus on building these foundational elements, and you’ll not only navigate your entrepreneurial journey more effectively but also find it to be a deeply rewarding experience.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the core of what we do at Brewpoint Coffee. Our journey has always been about building and nurturing connections, whether it’s with our customers, local businesses, or global coffee communities. As we continue to grow and explore new ventures, such as our shared coffee roastery, we’re always on the lookout for like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for coffee, community, and making a positive impact.

We’re particularly interested in partnering with:

Coffee Roasters: Whether you’re a seasoned roaster with years of experience or someone passionate about starting your roasting journey, we’re interested in collaborating. Our shared roastery space is designed to foster innovation, learning, and community among coffee roasters. By working together, we can find ways create efficiencies for one another along with building better industry together.

Coffee Shops Interested in Roasting: For coffee shops looking to expand into roasting, we offer a unique opportunity to collaborate. We can help you navigate the complexities of roasting, from selecting the right beans to mastering the roasting process. This partnership could elevate your brand, allowing you to offer truly unique and personalized coffee experiences to your customers.

Larger Enterprises Seeking Diverse Coffee Offerings: If you’re a larger enterprise looking to diversify your coffee offerings, partnering with Brewpoint provides access to a portfolio of diverse and ethically sourced coffees. Our commitment to sustainability, quality, and community engagement makes us an ideal partner for enterprises looking to enhance their coffee selection with options that reflect global tastes and responsible sourcing practices.

If you’re reading this and see a potential for collaboration, please reach out! We believe in the power of partnerships to create more impactful, sustainable, and innovative coffee experiences. To explore how we can collaborate, please reach out via brewpointcoffee.com or send us an email at [email protected]. Together, we can make a significant impact in the coffee world and beyond!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Japo Parcero Azuree Holloway Francesco Bondi

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