Galerie Coffee

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Galerie was born from two creative, bold, and courageous minds who wanted to build something more than just a coffee shop. From the very beginning, the intention was to create a collaborative space where the community would take center stage, and where small entrepreneurs, artists, and people who make a living from art could find a place to express themselves and gain visibility.

We started as a small coffee spot filled with art, with a showroom and a simple bar where only a few tables could fit. Little by little, the project grew and coffee became the heart of the space, always maintaining that creative and community-driven essence.

Over time, we had the opportunity to move into a much larger location, where we were able to fully bring our vision to life. We began integrating art as an experience: canvases in different sizes, tote bags, cotton bags, mirrors, and various pieces to customize. We also opened the space for exhibitions, mainly photography, free of charge, because our mission has always been to support and give visibility to local artists and businesses.

What made Galerie different from the start was that genuine intention to build community through art and coffee. To this day, Galerie’s magic is defined by constant renewal — continuously evolving without losing its essence.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
The part of the creative process we enjoy most varies depending on each team member, but we all agree on one thing: we love bringing ideas to life. On a personal level, Naomi deeply enjoys creating the space itself — thinking up ideas, imagining experiences, transforming an empty place into something alive, and turning concepts into something tangible. That stage, when everything starts as an idea and gradually takes shape, is one of the most special.

From a more strategic perspective, we also enjoy designing the layout, the colors, the flow, and the overall experience of the space. Each team member adds their own touch: Abril loves decorating the frappes; the kitchen focuses on creating creative, themed desserts; Sam is passionate about preparing drinks; and in the art area, experimentation brings each piece to life through decoration. In the end, creativity at Galerie isn’t only about painting a canvas — it’s in every detail, from how a drink is presented to how the entire space feels.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
If someone visits Galerie for the first time, they definitely shouldn’t miss the experience of coming to paint. It’s more than just having coffee — it’s about sitting down, choosing a piece, and living the creative process. To accompany it, a Salted Caramel is almost a must, along with one of our food options.

Ultimately, the full experience lives in the small details — from how the drink is served to the atmosphere, the décor, and the energy of the place. Galerie isn’t just something you consume; it’s something you experience.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
One of the most important challenges that made us rethink the project was when we stopped seeing Galerie as a small, almost family-run business and realized we had become a growing company. We went from a team of four or five people to a group of fifteen, added breakfast options, expanded the menu, and the operation became much more complex. That pushed us to professionalize our processes, leadership, and structure — without neglecting quality or customer experience.

At the same time, the deepest challenge has been keeping the essence alive: providing a space for all those creative minds who sometimes hesitate to explore. More than just being a meeting point, we want Galerie to be a collaborative home — a place where people feel safe to create, share, and be part of something bigger than a coffee shop.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
Constant renewal. We are guided by the idea of not remaining static. We believe a creative space must be in motion — evolving, trying new things, and reinventing itself without losing its essence.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Lately, our greatest inspiration has been the very process of creating an authentic space. Galerie was born from the need to build something that didn’t imitate trends, but instead genuinely reflected who we are and how we want people to feel when they’re here.

Rather than following a specific reference, we’ve built from intuition, creativity, and humanity. That freedom to create without copying has allowed us to develop our own identity and remain consistent while continuing to evolve.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
If our space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, it would be someone like Amélie Poulain Amelie Poulain— not as a literal person, but as a symbol. She represents sensitivity to detail, creativity in everyday life, and the ability to transform the simple into something meaningful.

We’d love to collaborate with someone who values the process more than the result, who works from a human perspective, and who finds magic in small things. Together, we would probably create an experience filled with intentional details: small interventions in the space, unexpected creative dynamics, and moments that emotionally connect with our visitors.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Yes. There’s one detail few people know: the space where our kitchen is today used to be a dental office. Only the “Galerito lovers OG” remember that.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
If this project were a book, it would be The Little Prince, because it reminds us of what is essential: to create, to see differently, and to never lose our sense of wonder.

Answers by Naomi Jocelyn Salinas Calvo and Adrian Fernando Jurado Oliveros, co-founders of Galerie Coffee