Meet JJ Carrion | Brightside Coffee Bar Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with JJ Carrion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JJ, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My first taste of the coffee world came while I worked at one of the best chocolate shops in Massachusetts, where I had the privilege of helping to elevate their coffee program. It was there that I discovered the enchanting realm of specialty coffee. This newfound passion for coffee became an anchor during my college years, where I pursued a business degree in accounting. Coffee shops and cafes became my sanctuaries for study and reflection, and it was in these coffee shops that I found a sense of community and belonging.

Simultaneously, I embarked on a professional journey in the corporate world, working for a petrochemical corporation, which led me to move to Houston. My heart never strayed far from the world of coffee so in my spare time, I continued to work at a local coffee shop. Little did I know that this part-time gig would not only lead to lifelong friendships but also introduce me to the love of my life, Ericka, whom I married last year.

It was my beloved Ericka who ignited the spark of entrepreneurship within me. As we savored our morning coffee together, she planted the idea of a coffee cart catering business in my mind. Her vision, combined with my passion for coffee and my background in business, turned into reality. I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur and when she told me about this amazing idea, I spent days and nights crafting a business plan. Everything seemed like it was going to kick off without a glitch, but quickly I realized that the start-up cost was higher than what I expected.

Then, an extraordinary moment occurred. In a humble act of faith, I turned to prayer, seeking guidance and support for this newfound aspiration. It was a profound step for me, as I had never prayed before in my life. And in a remarkable turn of events, just a few weeks later, funding appeared. That was my sign that God is here to support this journey I had embarked upon.

This dream is now taking shape as I embark on the journey of creating a coffee catering business that not only serves exceptional coffee but also fosters connections and enriches the lives of those it touches.

My decision to start this business is a testament to the profound impact of coffee on my life, from the friendships it has kindled to the love it has brought me, and the unwavering faith that has guided me on this path. It is a tribute to my belief that coffee is not just a beverage but a conduit for human connection and creativity, and I am excited to share this passion with the world through my coffee cart catering venture.

What should our readers know about your business?
Brightside Coffee Bar is more than just a mobile coffee service; it’s an experience curator. Our mission is to transform ordinary events into unforgettable memories, whether it’s a corporate gathering fostering engagement and collaboration or a wedding that evokes the magic of a couple’s first date. We take pride in bringing the ‘wow’ factor by delivering the charm of a specialty coffee shop directly to our customers with our meticulously designed mobile coffee bars.

Our journey began in the face of adversity, launching just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The initial challenges were daunting, as the world grappled with unprecedented uncertainties. However, we refused to succumb to despair. Instead, we pivoted, finding innovative ways to get our name out there. We engaged with local communities by setting up at farmers markets and forged strategic partnerships with wedding venues, where our coffee cart became a delightful addition to their open houses. Through perseverance, determination, and an unshakable belief that this path was meant for us, we weathered the storm and began to realize our vision.

This year, I took a monumental step by leaving my corporate job to dedicate myself fully to Brightside. It was a decision driven by passion, a deep-rooted faith, and a commitment to offering exceptional coffee experiences.

What sets us apart is not just our premium coffee, but the artistry and warmth of our baristas. They are not just coffee experts; they are hospitality specialists who craft not only delicious beverages but also mesmerizing latte art on lattes and cappuccinos. Beyond our exquisite coffee, we offer a level of service that ensures every guest feels valued and cherished.

Moreover, we understand the power of customization. We work closely with our clients to personalize our coffee cart, cups, and latte designs, incorporating their logo and branding into the experience. We believe in the art of tailoring each event to perfection.

In sum, Brightside Coffee Bar is more than a brand; it’s a commitment to turning moments into memories, one sip at a time. Brightside is not just a business; it’s a story of determination, faith, and the belief that every event, no matter how small, deserves a touch of magic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is a melting pot of great people from all over the globe, therefore the food is amazing! My childhood friend is coming to visit us in October, and we intend to take him to our favorite places for sure!

First comes first! COFFEE! Some of our favorite coffee shops are Catalina Coffee, Tenfold Coffee, Greenway Coffee, Fifth Vessel Coffee, and many more.

For food, we recommend Steak 48, The Taste of Texas, Kata Robata, Crawfish Café, Truth BBQ, Pinkerton’s BBQ, Killen’s BBQ, Kasra, Sayad, Impero Italiano, Tarka, North Italia, Grimaldi’s, The Gypsy Poet, etc. There are so many places to choose from that it’s so hard to narrow it down.

We haven’t been out in a while since our weekends are now filled with weddings, but when I did get to hang out with friends, some of my favorite places for brews were St. Arnolds, Karbach, 8th wonder, and the Heights Bier Garden.

For touristy things, we recommend taking sunset pictures at the Post HTX and getting Chop n Blok while you’re there, going to several museums on free museum Thursday’s, getting the City Pass and going to all of the places including NASA and Kemah, and to feel like a kid again, finish it up with Speedy’s Fast Track go-karting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I want to dedicate this heartfelt shoutout to my life partner and now wife, Ericka. She has been an extraordinary presence in my journey and deserves the highest recognition for her unwavering support, mentorship, and boundless encouragement.

Ericka has not only been my beloved companion but also my guiding star on the path to entrepreneurship. Her belief in my vision for a coffee catering business, even when it was just a seed of an idea, provided the validation and encouragement I needed to take that bold leap. She not only shared her enthusiasm for this venture but also offered invaluable insights and guidance that have been instrumental in shaping the business.

In moments of doubt, when I questioned the feasibility of my dreams, Ericka’s steadfast faith in my abilities and the power of prayer became a wellspring of strength. Her presence in my life, along with her profound wisdom, gave me the courage to pray for guidance and support, which eventually led to the timely appearance of funding.

Moreover, Ericka has been my rock, not only as a life partner but also as a friend. From the coffee shop where we first met to the momentous occasion of our wedding, she has been a cherished and unwavering presence. It was through her introduction that I found my passion for business, further highlighting the extraordinary impact she has had on my personal and professional journey.

In recognizing Ericka, I want to emphasize the profound significance of having a supportive life partner who believes in our dreams. Her role in my story exemplifies the idea that success is not solely an individual achievement but a collaborative effort, driven by the efforts, support, and love of others. Ericka, you are the heart of my journey, and I am endlessly grateful for your presence and belief in me. This shoutout is a tribute to your exceptional influence in my life and the beautiful partnership we share.

Website: www.brightsidecoffeebar.com

Instagram: jj@brightsidecoffeebar.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/brightside-coffee-bar

Facebook: brightsidecoffeehtx

Other: IG: brightsidecoffeehtx

Image Credits
Kati Hewitt Photography & Andy Dinh Media