Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Palestino.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hola Coffee started as a dream rooted in culture, connection, and a love for really good coffee. I’m a second-generation Mexican-American, and growing up, I was always surrounded by strong women, loud kitchens, and deep community ties. I wanted to create a space that felt like that: a place that honored where we come from, celebrated who we are, and invited people to gather, share stories, and build something beautiful together.
The journey began small: pop-ups, community events, a lot of late nights, and even more cafecito. I knew I wanted to source coffee exclusively from micro-farmers across Latin America, because equity and sustainability matter, but also because those beans carry generations of tradition and care. When we finally opened our brick and mortar in Northeast Minneapolis, it was more than just a coffee shop, it was the physical expression of a vision.
Today, Hola is a space where people can sip, connect, dance, dream, and build. Whether it’s through our Coffee House parties or quiet weekday work sessions, we’re here to keep pouring into the community that made us possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, but a meaningful one. Like most small business journeys, there have been plenty of challenges. From navigating funding and permitting, to learning the ins and outs of brick-and-mortar operations, every step has required grit, patience, and creativity.
One of the biggest challenges has been growing a business that prioritizes people, culture, and equity in an industry that doesn’t always make that easy. Sourcing exclusively from micro-farmers in Latin America and creating a brand that is community-centric takes time, intention, and a commitment to doing things differently. But that’s also what makes it worth it.
There were moments I questioned everything, if the vision was too ambitious, if the support would show up, but what kept me going was the community. Every time someone told me Hola felt like home or that it inspired them to start something of their own, I knew we were on the right path. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been full of purpose.
I always say “hold the vision, trust the process”. Hola is community first, coffee second.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Before Hola, I spent years working in finance-tech, and I also built a career in the fitness industry. I am a Lululemon ambassador and the former owner of Pure Barre in Tucson, AZ. Those experiences taught me a lot about discipline, branding, community-building, and what it takes to create spaces where people feel empowered and connected.
At Hola, I’ve been able to bring all of that together. From the strategy and systems mindset I developed in tech, to the energy and community-first focus from fitness, I use it all. I understand how to scale a business, but also how to keep it deeply personal. That’s what sets Hola apart.
I’m proud to say we’re not just another coffee shop. We’re building a brand that people feel emotionally connected to. Whether it’s through intentional sourcing, unforgettable events like Coffee House, or the day-to-day vibe of the café, we’re offering something more than coffee, we’re creating moments, movement, and meaning.
Hola is where culture meets hustle, where joy meets intention. And everything I’ve done before, from tech to a fitness studio, was preparing me to do this work in a way that’s both soulful and strategic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holacoffeempls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holacoffeempls/?hl=en
