From Self-Taught Roaster to Coffee Boss: How Rachel Nieves Built Buddies Coffee From Scratch
Rachel Nieves, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur from Queens, New York, is making waves in the specialty coffee industry with her venture, Buddies Coffee. Launched in December 2020 during the pandemic, Buddies Coffee has quickly become a Williamsburg staple. Alongside her partner, professional skateboarder Taylor Nawrocki, Rachel transformed a modest 15-pound weekly roasting operation into a thriving café that now serves over 200 pounds of beans each week. The café’s intimate atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, from skaters and artists to families and professionals.
Rachel’s journey from a self-taught coffee roaster to a respected industry voice exemplifies her vision and unwavering commitment to inspiring small business owners.
Breaking Into an Industry Dominated by Giants
Women perform nearly 70% of labor on coffee farms worldwide, yet few hold leadership positions, according to a 2018 report by the International Coffee Organization. In the U.S., less than 30% of coffee roasters are women, and even fewer are Latina.
Rachel entered this competitive space with no prior experience, building Buddies Coffee from scratch. “I wanted to open a coffee shop so badly,” she recalls. “But I had no background in coffee, and no one returned my emails or calls when I tried to get a wholesale account.” That rejection fueled her determination. “When I couldn’t find women-owned roasters to look up to, I thought, ‘Why not become that person myself?’”
She taught herself to roast, diving headfirst into an industry she knew little about but was determined to be a part of. “It is empowering to create something of your own,” she says. “Even when it feels like you’re learning on the fly, it’s worth it because it’s yours.”
Building Intimate Spaces, Not Franchises
While the coffee industry often rewards scale, Rachel takes the opposite approach. Buddies Coffee is intentionally small, designed to feel like a hidden treasure. “I love small-format coffee shops,” she explains. “There’s something special about intimate spaces that encourage conversation. I want Buddies Coffee to feel like a little secret people stumble upon and make their own.”
As she considers opening a second location, Rachel focuses on overlooked spots. “I look for places people wouldn’t immediately think of for a coffee shop,” she shares. “If you’ve ever traveled and found a tiny café that feels like it’s just for you, that’s the experience I want to create.”
This approach reflects a larger trend. A study published in the Proceedings of the 2022 4th International Conference on Economic Management and Cultural Industry found that independent coffee shops emphasize social interaction and personalization over the corporate efficiency of larger chains. Consumers value these shops for their ambiance and community-driven ethos.
Overcoming Fear, One Day at a Time
Fear could have stopped Rachel at countless points, but she pushed through. “Fear doesn’t go away,” she says. “It’s about how much you’re willing to push through it. On the other side of fear, there’s growth and confirmation that you can accomplish something.”
Her honesty about self-doubt resonates with many small business owners. “I let fear and insecurity live in my head for too long. I worried about failing, about what others would think. But I’ve learned to quiet those doubts. If you believe your vision can make an impact, you owe it to yourself to pursue it.”
Her resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed. Industry veterans now seek her advice, a shift she finds humbling. “People who have been in coffee for 10 or 15 years ask me how I do things. It’s eye-opening and reminds me of the value of bringing a fresh perspective.”
A Legacy Rooted in Well-Being and Connection
For Rachel, success isn’t just about Buddies Coffee—it’s about the impact she has on others. “My job in life is to leave people better than I found them,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going.”
This philosophy extends to mental health and self-care. “I can’t show up for others if I’m not taking care of myself,” she explains. “Whether it’s a long walk, turning off my phone, or just getting my nails done, I make time to pour into my own cup before pouring into others.”
Dreaming Big: The Future of Buddies Coffee
Rachel envisions Buddies Coffee expanding beyond New York. “In five years, I see Buddies Coffee in multiple spaces across the country, and maybe even the world,” she says. “I take pride in being Puerto Rican and from New York, and I hope people will be excited to support a brand that reflects those roots.”
She also wants Buddies Coffee in retail spaces, restaurants, and other coffee shops. For her, expansion isn’t just about growth. “It’s about showing other Latina entrepreneurs that we belong in these spaces.”
Advice for Aspiring Latina Entrepreneurs
Rachel’s advice to Latina women pursuing their dreams is simple but powerful: “You are enough.”
She elaborates, “A lot of us struggle with insecurities, wondering if we’re smart enough, strong enough, or even ‘Latina enough.’ My advice is to quiet those doubts. You are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to, and the world needs more of us in leadership roles.”
Rachel Nieves isn’t just a business owner—she’s a trailblazer. Her journey from self-taught coffee roaster to visionary entrepreneur proves that success isn’t about where you start, but how you push through challenges to create something meaningful.
As she says, “The world needs more of us. Step into your power and go for it—you never know who you might inspire along the way.”
