Meet Iasia Montana-maye

We were lucky to catch up with Iasia Montana-maye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iasia, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I’ve always believed I was a resilient person, but my ability to recover from hardship wasn’t truly tested until I lost my father—and then, just months after his passing, decided to start a business. A little resilience and a little delusion, as I like to say!

One of the final conversations I had with my dad was about his retirement. At the time, I was a flight attendant, and when he told me he was ready to retire, I immediately offered to pick up more trips to help him financially. I was willing to do whatever it took to make sure he could finally rest and enjoy life. Just 48 hours later, he passed away.

That moment reshaped my perspective on everything. My resilience comes from understanding that one day, God will call me home too—and when that day comes, I don’t want to feel like I left anything undone. I refuse to let fear keep me from chasing my wildest, scariest dreams. That’s why I made the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

Building ¡Espréssate! has been a journey of honoring my father’s memory, pushing past doubt, and proving to myself that I can turn pain into purpose. Every challenge I face as a business owner only reinforces what I’ve already learned: I am capable, I am strong, and I will always keep moving forward.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hi friends! I’m Iasia, the founder of ¡Espréssate!, a mobile espresso bar bringing Cuban-inspired coffee experiences to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. ¡Espréssate! is more than just a coffee business—it’s a reflection of my heritage, my love for community, and a tribute to my late father. The name itself is a play on words, blending “espresso” with the Spanish phrase “exprésate,” which means “express yourself.” That’s the heart of what I do—creating a space where people can connect, be themselves, and experience the joy that a great cup of coffee can bring.

What makes ¡Espréssate! special is the authenticity behind it. I source my coffee beans from Little Waves, a woman-forward roaster in Durham, ensuring that every cup is crafted with quality and care. Right now, I’m focused on expanding ¡Espréssate! into more corporate spaces, private events, and weddings. Ultimately, my business is about more than just coffee—it’s about connection, culture, and creating moments of joy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I started ¡Espréssate!, I was new to the world of specialty coffee. Instead of rushing into launching my espresso bar, I took the time to truly educate myself. I immersed myself in learning—reading articles, researching different coffee origins and brewing methods, watching endless videos, and leaning into other coffee enthusiasts in my community. That willingness to be a student first helped me build a strong foundation, not just in coffee but in business as well. Even now, I believe in always perfecting my craft, always growing, and always being open to new knowledge.

Another key factor in my journey was the ability to trust the process. Entrepreneurship isn’t linear, and there were moments when I questioned if I was on the right path, but, I learned to lean into the uncertainty and understand that every challenge, every setback, and every success was shaping me into the business owner I needed to become.

Community and connection also played a huge role in my journey. I didn’t build ¡Espréssate! alone—I surrounded myself with people who shared my passion, supported my vision, and pushed me forward. Whether it was through collaborations, networking with other entrepreneurs, or engaging with my customers, I found that the relationships I built were just as important as the coffee I served.

For anyone early in their journey, my biggest advice is: don’t be afraid to not be the “smartest” person in the room. Seek out those who know more than you, ask questions, and take the time to develop a deep understanding of your craft. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to learning—your growth will be your greatest asset. And above all, trust that every step, even the uncertain ones, are leading you exactly where you need to be.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and businesses that align with the mission of ¡Espréssate!—creating meaningful experiences through coffee, culture, and community.

I’d love to partner with corporate offices, event planners, realtors, and wedding professionals who want to elevate their events with a unique and personal coffee experience. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, an open house, a wedding, or a private celebration, ¡Espréssate! brings an interactive and high-quality coffee bar that leaves a lasting impression.

I also welcome collaborations with local businesses, community organizations, and creatives who are passionate about cultivating connections and bringing people together. From pop-up events to brand partnerships, I’m open to exploring creative ways to integrate specialty coffee into different spaces.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach out via Instagram (@espressate_nc) or email us at info@espressaterdu.com. I’d love to chat and see how we can create something special together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://espressaterdu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressate_rdu/