Melissa De La Cruz’s dream started with an interest in business, a food truck, and a passion for serving others.
Her curiosity started while taking business classes in high school and helping her sister, Mollie, run a lemonade stand. Her grandfather would also send coffee beans from Colombia, from which the girls taught themselves how to make lattes and cappuccinos. That spark turned into an idea for a business — the Lazy Buffalo Trading Company.
“We had never been in a kitchen, but now I’m applying what I’ve learned to what we’re doing. It’s learning and studying and seeing what I can do to make things work,” she said.
Melissa and her family started out with a small food truck, purchased with her college fund. They first parked outside Presbyterian Hospital in Española a few days a week, celebrating days when they earned $60. Later, they got up the courage to ask to park the coffee truck at Northern New Mexico College, collaborating with then Chief of Staff and Vice President for Finance and Administration Denise Montoya (now LANL Foundation Board Chair). Last year, the café was asked to take over the kitchen space inside the College’s main building, allowing them to expand their operation.
“The LANL Foundation champions human potential. It is essential to support young entrepreneurs and invest in their dreams. Every idea from inspiring young minds like Melissa and Molly, who dare to chase their aspirations, is a spark that can light the way for generations to come,” said LANL Foundation Board Chair Denise Montoya.
Now a full-fledged establishment run out of Northern New Mexico College, the Lazy Buffalo is open five days a week, serving its signature coffee drinks and an expanded menu of delicious sandwiches, salads, and other foods. Led by 20-year-old Melissa – with help from her sister, Mollie, her dad, and another employee – the café demonstrates what’s possible when young people are empowered to act on their dreams. The LANL Foundation is a frequent customer, relying on Lazy Buffalo to cater a variety of community events.
Seeking support from the Small Business Development Center at Northern New Mexico College, Melissa learned the basics of running a business – from creating a business plan and setting prices to filing necessary tax and licensing paperwork with the state. Led by Juliana Barbee, the SBDC is available to anyone in the region needing help starting, growing, or maintaining a small business.
“Melissa and Molly have paved the way for other young entrepreneurs in the Valley. Their passion ignites others to take a similar path, and the SBDC is here to support anyone who wants to take that step. Young people shouldn’t be afraid to live their passion, or be held back by the fear of failure,” Barbee said.
Thirteen-year-old Mollie is also following in her sister’s footsteps, not only taking over barista duties, but branching out into freeze-dried candy. It’s been a hit so far.
Melissa’s advice for other young people in Northern New Mexico? “Dive into something. Your passion, your dreams are whatever you make them.”
The LANL Foundation celebrates young entrepreneurs like Melissa and Mollie, recognizing the power of work-based learning in helping young people build their futures.
To learn more about the LANL Foundation’s work in career-connecting learning and youth leadership development, visit lanlfoundation.org.program, which benefits students across the region. To learn more and donate, click here.
