From Grief to Growth: How Iasia Built Espréssate

“My entrepreneurial journey taught me that grief and purpose can coexist." ~ Iasia 

Impactful businesses are born from deep personal experiences. For Iasia, the founder of Espréssate, the journey into entrepreneurship began with loss. After her father’s passing, she found solace in the comforting ritual of brewing coffee – an activity she did with her father that brewed cherishing memories. "The smell of and ritual of brewing coffee became a source of comfort and connection for me,” Iasia shares.

”I started this business to share that feeling with others – creating a space where people can slow down, connect and feel seen.”

Just months after launching her business, Iasia faced another devastating loss when her mother-in-law passed away. Rather than derailing her new venture, this second tragedy only deepened her resolve and purpose. "These experiences taught me that grief and purpose can coexist,” she explains. “Building Espréssate became a healing journey , not just for myself, but for others who need those moments of genuine connection.”

Espréssate isn’t just another mobile coffee service. It’s a complete cafe experience that travels to corporate events, weddings, and private events throughout the Raleigh-Durham area. Using high-quality, locally roasted beans from award winning Little Waves, Iasia crafts Cuban-inspired coffee drinks that spark conversation and create community. Espréssate stands out in the crowd of vendors because Iasia identified and filled a critical gap. Which is the need for warmth and community in the coffee and catering industry. Iasia notes, ”Many events lack that personal touch that brings people together." She adds, ”When someone steps up to our coffee bar, they are not just getting a drink – they’re experiencing a moment of presence and connection in what might otherwise be a busy and or overwhelming event."

Like many entrepreneurs in our echo community, Iasia’s path hasn’t been without challenges. Building brand awareness without a substantial marketing budget required creativity and persistence. And her solution was refreshingly human, by showing up consistently at pop-ups, sharing her authentic store and building genuine connections with customers one cup at a time. She explains, ”I learned quickly that people connect with stories more than products." Additionally, one of her ongoing challenges that resonates with many entrepreneurs is finding the balance between running a business and a family. As a mother who welcomed a new baby while running her business, Iasia became more intentional about how she structures her time and selects opportunities.

"The echo community has not only been supportive but also incredibly resourceful. It’s a welcoming space for entrepreneurs at every stage."

When asked about her experience with echo Iasia shares, ”I’ve really appreciated the coaching, encouragement, and genuine motivation they offer—it’s the kind of support that reminds you you’re not in this alone.“ This perfectly embodies echo’s community led approach, where founders’ needs drive everything from the program design to mentorship opportunities.

Check out more of Espréssate:

🌐 http://espressaterdu.com

📱 http://instagram.com/espressate_rdu

Author’s Note: 

Ihsan Mohammed is a passionate storyteller and a valued member of echo's marketing team. Currently a junior at Meredith College, she is majoring in interior design with a minor in marketing. Ihsan's professional writing journey began in her senior year of high school when she participated in echo’s teen program, Shiboka: 1st Edition. This experience led her to write the articles "They Stole Our Jobs" and "Success in Business," as well as the poem "When the Sun Rises." When she's not designing or working, Ihsan enjoys spending time with her family, sculpting, and exploring nature.