Meet Fred Reyes

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fred Reyes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fred below.

Hi Fred, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from always making something happen. I was independent from an early age, and working in kitchens my entire life has taught me that you can’t wait around for an opportunity. My optimism comes from making an opportunity, not waiting for others to create it for you. I want to lead by example for my kids, so one day they can navigate their own lives the same way. I took a big risk starting my own coffee shop in a new neighborhood, but I kept the optimism the entire time, and that opened doors to new opportunities I never thought were possible.

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

I was born in Durango Mexico came to the us when I was 1 year old then moved back to Mexico for 6 years when I was 8, and moved back to East Hollywood when I was 14. In 2021, my wife and I started Gitana Cafe in Hermosa Beach and built a little shop from the ground up. What excites me the most is that I am building a community, growing our coffee business, and learning more about coffee everyday. English is my second language and after not finishing school, the challenges of not being educated and getting past the fear factor of creating new opportunities has been challenging. But I find the confidence I need in exercise, my relationship with my partner, Maria, and in the community we’re building. Gitana exists because of community, and as the community grows, so do we. We partner with Tuesday Run Club and Hermosa Run Club to provide a starting line and free coffee on Tuesday and Sunday mornings as well as local organizations and artists in the South Bay.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Just go for it, even if you fail, knowing you will learn something from the experience.
2. Passion and hunger for knowledge
3. Putting the knowledge from lived experience into practice

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the last 12 months, my community and I have created a podcast story segment that is authentic and organic not only to who I am, but the entire Hermosa community. I have learned how to better connect with my customers and fellow community members, and strengthened relationships along the way by simply listening. Learning how to listen is really challenging, but I’m learning everyday and think if we could all improve our listening skills, we would have stronger relationships. This is what is happening everyday at Gitana.

Contact Info:

• Website: fredreyes3088@gmail.com
• Instagram: FR3d_kings
• Youtube: gitanacafe
• Yelp: gitanacafe