Hi Ana! Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I’m Originally from Queens, NY. I’ve been living in Demarest, NJ for about eight years.
How old are your kids?
We have two amazing Daughters, Luna Jolie (8), and Ayla Reign (5).
What is your favorite thing to do with them?
My favorite thing to do with Luna and Ayla lately is rock climbing. I love to watch their progress, their courage, and their resilience in overcoming hurdles. Even when they get emotional and tears come up, they keep going and don’t back down from a challenge. It’s honestly so incredible to watch.
Are you involved in a business venture? Please share!
Yeah! I’m the proud owner of Soldados coffee. Right now, we’re mainly an e-commerce business, but I’m excited to share that I’ll be opening a showroom in Closter, NJ in November 2025. We import specialty coffee (Green) from Colombia and roast it fresh ourselves. It’s a huge “Level Up” on coffee. A delicious venture.
Why is this so important?
My Mother is Colombian, and a few years ago, I returned to Colombia for a family reunion. I found myself sitting on my cousin’s porch, drinking freshly roasted, ground, and brewed coffee from her farm. In that moment, I knew I had to bring this experience back home. It’s a taste I had forgotten.
Believe it or not, fresh specialty coffee is quite rare, and I want people to learn and appreciate the process and the love that goes into making it. Its about more than taste (although the taste is unbeatable) – it’s about sharing a piece of culture and craftsmanship.
What sets you apart?
The way wine experts are sommeliers, coffee experts are “catadores” known as “coppers” in English. Our coffee is curated by an expert team, rated by the Federation of Coffee Farmers in Colombia, and scored by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
To truly appreciate our coffee, our main focus at the showroom will be on experience and delivery. I’m creating a more grown-up, sophisticated menu, kind of like flights of wine, but with specialty coffee.
We’ll have pairings, such as rum barrel coffee paired with Jamaican rum cake, and cold brew coffee on the rocks- smoked with maple wood & paired with panettone. It’s about elevating the coffee experience and offering something unique and memorable.
Online, what sets us apart is our specialty products. Our packaging is always sustainable, and our products are always freshly roasted. Coming soon, we’ll incorporate some recipes from our bar so you can enjoy them at home using our products.
If you could give one tip to fellow moms, what would it be?
Don’t lose yourself.
We all have careers or passions that motivate us in life. Once Motherhood begins, many of us throw ourselves into “Mom mode” and give everything to our kids, which is natural and beautiful. But when the kids start school full-time, it’s important to reconnect with who you are and to explore what you want to purse next.
A few years ago, my daughter was asked at school, “What does Mom do when you are in school?” She answered, “She cooks and cleans up my toys.” She wasn’t lying- it’s part of life. But I realized I didn’t want that to be the only thing they saw. I wanted my kids to know me as more than just Mom.
Now they hear more about my coffee business and my workout routines. I feel great about that- my passions inspire them, and I feel closer to them because I’m living authentically.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I train in Jiu-jitsu
I’m about 5’4″ and usually don’t weigh more than 113 pounds, so I don’t look aggressive—or intimidating—yet I love it. I’ve been training for about three years now, and it’s become a part of life. I believe Jiu-Jitsu helps, on and off the mats—developing absolute focus, learning to overcome challenges, and staying calm in very uncomfortable and stressful situations. I can honestly say it has contributed to my growth as a person.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Honestly, I’ve built an incredibly strong, supportive, and beautiful group of moms. We come from diverse backgrounds—different careers, different upbringings, and even the schools our kids attend—but we rally for each other. We’ve supported one another not only in parenting but also in personal growth. My Bergen County girlfriends are true gems.
Soldados Coffee showroom and coffee bar will open this fall at 84 Herbert Avenue Closter NJ. Look out for more news on our Instagram page or website.