Profile
Hi there!
I’m Fran. Thanks for visiting and reading this section. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I have a very special relationship with coffee. Growing up, our house was always open for family and friends to stop by for a warm cup and some conversation. I grew up in a big family and coffee has always been a way for us to bond, share stories, debate ideas and learn from each other.
I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel & Restaurant Administration and was later awarded a scholarship to continue into graduate studies. I packed my things and moved to Miami to get my Master of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. That’s when I truly left home for the first time.
My 16+ years hospitality industry career has given be the opportunity to live in great cities like Miami, San Diego and Chicago, where I finally settled. I had the chance to work for amazing companies and, most importantly, I have met incredible people from all over the world.
Today, I am still in the hospitality industry, as a leader, but it is my dream to finally get out of my comfort zone and become a full-time entrepreneur by making Crema my career.
My goal is to continue growing a brand that allows me to make others happy while doing something I love. I would like to create strong relationships with customers and partners.
I believe in quality products, supporting small businesses and supporting female owned businesses. I believe that we all have the potential to be leaders in our own way and that we can drive change, both social and economic. I care about my communities (Puerto Rico and Chicago since I feel like I am part of both).
Crema Shop was officially established in Chicago in October of 2018. It was originally intended to offer only coffee based bath and body products but I soon realized that customers wanted more so I did not want to disappoint. The collection grew as I identified the favorites.
In November of 2019, after many rejections, unanswered messages and calls, flaky agreements and not giving up, I was able to finally fulfill one of my biggest dreams by launching a set of coffee blends. With the help of an amazing roaster in the Greater Chicago area, I was able to put together three blends that are affordable, freshly roasted and will be shipped directly to your door.
I truly believe that coffee should be simple and transparent, without tricks or gimmicks. Coffee shouldn’t need to be disguised or hidden under unknown flavors to be great. You should enjoy it they way you like it.
My Mother once told me: “Whatever it is that you need to do to make yourself happy, it has to be with coffee.” And she was right.
I cannot thank enough every single person who has been supportive or involved, in one way or another, in the creation and growth of this little shop. There is more to come in the near future and I will make sure to keep everyone updated.
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