Brewing Success: Aundrea McCarthy's Journey with Luv-A-Latte Espresso
Photo by Victor Jones
Luv-A-Latte Espresso founder Aundrea McCarthy joined Besa Gordon on The Day With Trae to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur, the significance of running her community-focused coffee shop, and her exciting future plans for the business.
Before becoming the owner of Luv-A-Latte Espresso, Aundrea McCarthy spent a decade as the shop's manager. She then ventured out to start her coffee stand in Tacoma, which she successfully operated for a year and a half. When she learned that the original owners of Luv-A-Latte were selling the business, she seized the opportunity to return and take ownership of Hilltop's beloved coffee shop.
"It all happened really quickly," McCarthy explained. "I thought they were never going to sell . . . they called me like, hey, we ready to sell to you. We don't want nobody else."
Having operated out of Tacoma's Hilltop for over a decade, McCarthy has witnessed the changes in the neighborhood's foundation.
"The community has changed a little bit," McCarthy explained. "They're building tons of new stuff around there. There are a lot of new businesses opening on the Hilltop, so it is coming along. I'm a staple because people have known me for so long."
As a core part of Hilltop, McCarthy has established her business as a vibrant hub for artists and local vendors to showcase and sell their work.
"A lot of the art is done in-house," McCarthy said. Much of the coffee shop's art is adorned with artwork from Bruce Pickford. "He just was a person that came in and said, 'Hey, I got some art for you. I think it'd be dope in here.' And I got my first art piece."
Pickford, a local artist, frequently paints in the shop, often up to three or four times a week. In addition to showcasing art, McCarthy actively promotes nearby businesses, further supporting the local community from her shop.
"I'm a true fan of Black business. We help each other. That's the way it should be, and that's the way it's going to be at Luv-A-Latte," McCarthy said. She often sells goods and promotes nearby establishments in the neighborhood out of her coffee shop.
"You tell me how much you want to sell it for. You tell me if you want it to go to your account, or you can just come in and get your stuff, and we just kind of keep it like that," McCarthy said. "It's no contract, nothing. Tell me what you got, and I'll sell it."
As a local business owner, McCarthy understands the struggle that can come with it.
"You got to do everything yourself. You can't call nobody," McCarthy explained. "You got to get it off the mud."
Still, her experience running her stand has equipped her well, and her long-standing presence in the neighborhood ensures that both regulars and newcomers hear about popular drinks like the Brown Babe (a delightful blend of brown sugar and cinnamon) and their signature white mochas through word of mouth.
As for now, the goal for Luv-A-Latte Espresso's future is expansion. McCarthy has been active in the Pierce County Business Acceleration Program, having raised over $2,000, which will be matched with a county grant.
"I want to use that money for upgrades inside the cafe as well as my coffee cart that's coming so we can be out and explore Washington," McCarthy said. "I'm always based on the hill, but I would love to get out to markets and just meet new people."
Visit Luv-A-Latte at 1102 S Yakima Ave in Hilltop, Tacoma, for delicious beverages and treats from this beloved family-run business. You won't be disappointed! You can also click here to donate to Aundrea’s Gofundme.
To learn more about local businesses shaping the Northwest, tune into Trae every weekday at 11 am on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
