Meet Daniela Tapia Ortega

We were lucky to catch up with Daniela Tapia Ortega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been an evolving process. Like for many of us, it has been shaped by both my personal experiences and my professional aspirations. As an MSW (Master of Social Work) graduate student, my passion for understanding human behavior, empathy, and the desire to make a tangible impact in people’s lives has always been a driving force. It was my experience of working in social services, coupled with the creation of my business, TLC Coffee Co., that really helped me find my deeper purpose. It finally feels like I’m where I’m supposed to be and it’s only going to get better.

In the early stages of my MSW program, I remember feeling both excited and overwhelmed by the prospect of helping others in an impactful way. I was motivated by the potential to make change, but I quickly realized how many structural challenges and barriers exist within the systems we work within. The longer I spend in both the field and the classroom, the more I realize just how powerful small, everyday acts of kindness and connection can be.

That realization shifted my focus. I began to understand that while systemic change is essential, personal connection and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and loved are equally important. This insight inspired me to start TLC Coffee Co. What started as a way to help pay for grad school quickly became something more—I realized this wasn’t just about selling coffee or providing a service. This is my passion.

My dream is to open a brick-and-mortar shop once I finish school, creating a space where people can come together and feel a sense of connection. I’ve seen how isolation affects people and how few accessible places exist where they can feel truly cared for—even if it’s just through the way someone makes their favorite drink. For me, coffee shops have always been that kind of space—a place where I can go and feel better. It’s my happy place, and I want TLC Coffee Co. to be that for others too.

The intersection of my work in social work and my business became a natural alignment of purpose for me. It wasn’t about choosing one path over the other, but about finding a way to use both to foster change.

Today, when I look back, I can say my purpose wasn’t one singular moment. It has been a series of reflections and experiences that shaped my worldview and the vision I have for myself. It’s about creating spaces for others to feel supported, whether it’s through direct social services or by simply offering a cup of coffee and a listening ear. It’s about showing up for others in ways that go beyond what’s expected, and in doing so, finding meaning in every conversation, every connection, and every small step I take toward creating the world I want to see.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At TLC Coffee Co., we’re more than just a mobile coffee service—we’re driven by a passion for community, connection, and care. As an MSW student and a supervisor for the Community Health Education Department at a children’s hospital, my focus is always on making meaningful connections with people, whether I’m at work or in my personal endeavors. When I’m not at school or work, I pour my time and energy into TLC Coffee Co.

What makes TLC Coffee Co. special is the heart we put into everything we do. I believe that coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s an opportunity to create moments of connection, support, and warmth. Whether we’re at a corporate event, a school festival, or a small gathering, we’re focused on making each experience feel personal and meaningful. My background in social work has taught me the importance of building strong, supportive environments, and that’s what we strive to do at each event we serve.

While we don’t yet have a brick-and-mortar location, we’re proud to offer our mobile coffee catering service that brings our unique touch to your event. We specialize in custom coffee menus, specialty drinks, and providing a welcoming space where people can connect, share, and feel cared for. It’s about more than just the coffee—it’s about the atmosphere we create.

What excites me most is how TLC Coffee Co. allows us to cater to the unique needs of every event. We love being able to tailor our offerings to the occasion. We’re always looking for new ways to bring TLC into different spaces.

At TLC Coffee Co., we believe that coffee is just the beginning. Whether we’re serving at a workplace or a community celebration, we’re dedicated to making every moment meaningful and leaving people with a little extra TLC.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey with TLC Coffee Co., three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful in shaping the growth of the business have been-

Resilience
As a business owner, resilience has been essential. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, from starting with limited resources to navigating the logistics of a mobile service. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, but being resilient allowed me to bounce back and find new ways to keep moving forward.

Customer-Focused Service
One of the keys to our success at TLC Coffee Co. has been our dedication to providing exceptional customer service. From day one, I wanted our mobile coffee service to be more than just great drinks—it’s about creating a memorable experience and building genuine relationships. We’ve made it a point to always use the highest quality products, from freshly roasted coffee beans to locally sourced ingredients. We’ve even developed housemade syrups that have become an instant customer favorite. These personalized touches, combined with our commitment to friendly and attentive service, have helped us build a loyal following.

Creativity
TLC Coffee Co. has truly allowed me to tap into my creative side in ways I never expected. We are crafting unique, memorable experiences that reflect our passion for both the art of coffee and the connections we build. From designing custom drink menus for events to experimenting with new flavors and seasonal offerings, creativity fuels everything we do.

One of the standout features of our service is our house-made syrups, which have quickly become a customer favorite. These syrups, carefully crafted in-house, add a personal and distinctive touch to our drinks that you won’t find anywhere else. The flavors we create aren’t just sweeteners—they’re part of the story we tell with each cup, turning an ordinary coffee experience into something special.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My mother has taught me the importance of resilience and believing in my ability to overcome challenges. Growing up, she always encouraged me to pursue my passions and not shy away from difficult situations. Whether it was facing a tough academic challenge or navigating the ups and downs of life, she instilled in me the mindset that setbacks are not failures—they’re opportunities to grow and learn. This foundation has been invaluable, especially as I’ve built TLC Coffee Co. and pursued my MSW degree. Her support and guidance shaped the way I approach challenges today, reminding me that persistence and adaptability are key to any journey.

In particular, the most impactful thing my mom did for me was making the courageous decision to come to this country. Her bravery opened up so many doors for me, offering opportunities I might not have had otherwise. Her determination to build a better future for me has been a driving force in everything I do. It’s a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made, and it pushes me to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Beyond that, my mom was the one who truly motivated me to launch TLC Coffee Co. She always believed in my vision and encouraged me to take the leap into entrepreneurship, even when it felt daunting. Her unwavering faith in me and her encouragement to follow my heart gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and create something that combined my passions for social work, community-building, and, of course, coffee. Her influence is at the core of what TLC Coffee Co. is today.

Her example taught me that it’s not just about where you end up, but how you handle the journey along the way—and that lesson continues to influence everything I do.