Mothership Coffee Roasters, Juanny Romero
I am Juanny Romero, a bold MOTHER, a straight-up supersonic boss, fearless female CEO of color, and a child of immigrants. I partner with female farmers, source ethical coffee, and breathe social change. My vehicle for that change is coffee, and I’ve been hard at it for 15 years, building one of the few woman- and minority-owned coffee brands in the country. I am a VEGAS Inc 40 under 40, a NAWBO Entrepreneur of the Year, a Leadership Las Vegas Alumna, and the 2023 Nevada State Small Business Persons of the Year and 2023 SBA Small Business Person of the Year National Runner-Up. My passion is investing in my community through my family, staff, and customers. My work is to create what matters, and what matters is connection. So get on board: grab some Mothership Coffee and drink like a MOTHER!
At Mothership Coffee Roasters, my mission is to create meaningful connections through great coffee. As CEO, I do everything in my power to make this mission come to life for more and more people every day. Now that we are opening our sixth cafe and are available at retailers, restaurants, and businesses across the region, I’m especially proud that our locally-roasted coffee is sourced from women-owned farming cooperatives, and that our “Sip with Purpose” program directly supports local charities, non-profits, and social organizations with every latte purchased.
Starting Mothership Coffee Roasters was personal for me, driven by my passion for business and a deep determination to overcome the challenges I faced as a bi-racial kid from the rough side of Queens, New York. When I started out, I wanted to create a place where someone like me could go to relax, connect, and enjoy delicious coffee. Today, I continue that commitment to my younger self by ensuring Mothership supports and empowers female coffee producers, sustainable roasting practices, and celebrates women coffee drinkers wherever our coffee is served. Our commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and sound ethics is reflected in every cup of coffee we produce and every dish we serve. I take great pride in knowing that our brand has already made a positive impact on the lives of many female coffee farmers globally and coffee drinkers locally.
Mothership Coffee Roasters is one of the few woman- and minority-owned coffee brands in the country. We're truly passionate about sourcing ethical coffee, creating spaces where people of all walks and persuasions feel safe to be themselves, and using our resources to drive positive social change. Because our mission is to create meaningful connections through great coffee, we ensure all of our cafes are unique and uniquely beautiful, that they reflect and amplify the communities they are in, and that they are the perfect place for people to come together and make meaningful connections while sipping delicious drinks. At Mothership Coffee Roasters, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best coffee experience while making a positive impact on the world.
As a passionate entrepreneur, I recognized the value of seeking expert guidance to take my business to the next level. It was a pivotal moment when I realized that SCORE was the perfect partner for my business. Their valuable insights and unwavering support were exactly what I needed to bridge the knowledge gaps that were holding me back. With SCORE, I had access to a team of dedicated professionals who were eager to help me succeed. It was truly a game-changer for my business. I am genuinely grateful for the smart, strategic decision to partner with SCORE, and I highly recommend their services to other business owners who are looking to thrive and succeed.
I am grateful to credit SCORE for a huge part of our success at Mothership Coffee Roasters. Their constant encouragement and expert guidance have been an integral part of our growth and development as I have grown this business into a multi-chain, multi-vertical operation. With more than 15 years of mentorship from SCORE, our business has flourished thanks to their invaluable insights and support. I wholeheartedly recommend SCORE to any entrepreneur looking to reach new heights with their business. Trust me, their unwavering dedication and expertise will help you break down limiting beliefs and soar toward your goals!
The journey of entrepreneurship can be a daunting and lonely one, and when I first reached out to SCORE, I felt lost and unsure. I had no idea what to expect, what challenges lay ahead, or even what kind of success could be possible. But then, my mentor stepped in: a wise and experienced businessman who had seen it all. He took me under his wing with a level of care and compassion that I had never experienced before. As we worked together, my mentor shared his knowledge and expertise with me both in business and in life, guiding me through the ups and downs of building a successful business and a good life. But more than that, he believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. When I doubted myself, he reminded me of my potential. And when I succeeded, he celebrated with me. Every day, I think back to those early days and the impact my mentor had on me. I know that without his support, I wouldn't be the strong, resilient, and caring businesswoman I am today. So to my mentor: thank you, with all my heart. You changed my life.
My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: don't underestimate the incredible value of organizations like SCORE. At Mothership Coffee Roasters, we owe a significant part of our success to SCORE's constant encouragement and expert guidance. If you want to grow and scale your business, seek mentors and organizations like SCORE who can provide you with invaluable insights, industry knowledge, and unwavering support. With their dedication and expertise, you'll not only navigate challenges more effectively but also break down limiting beliefs and propel your business toward your loftiest goals. Embrace mentorship, and you'll find that the guidance you receive can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.
To those considering starting their own business, I'd offer this piece of wisdom: Embrace the journey with resilience and adaptability. Entrepreneurship is an exhilarating but often challenging path. Be prepared for ups and downs, setbacks, and unforeseen obstacles. However, it's precisely these challenges that offer some of the most profound lessons and growth opportunities. Stay committed to your vision, but also be flexible enough to pivot when necessary. Seek guidance from mentors and organizations like SCORE, as their insights can be invaluable. Remember that every setback is a chance to learn; every success is a milestone on your journey. Stay passionate, keep learning, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place. With determination, adaptability, and a resilient spirit, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the unpredictable road of entrepreneurship and build a successful business.
