Life & Work with Tracy And Annette Vitela of Mt. Juliet and Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy And Annette Vitela

Hi Tracy and Annette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sisters, Coffee, and an Unstoppable Dream! My sister, Annette and I know what it means to fight our dream. And with the support of Annette’s husband Michael, we were able to do this all together.

Growing up, life wasn’t always easy for me and Annette, but one thing remained constant, we always had each other’s back, and stayed close in all we did. When our father passed away, Annette was just 17, working as a barista at a cozy little coffee shop near the college campus, it was always hoppin’! I was just 16 and always by her side, I would tag along, sitting in the cafe and soaking in the atmosphere.

That little coffee shop became more than just a job or a place to pass the time. It became a safe haven for both of us. It was a safe place, a place we felt happy and with our friends all around, and the humble community that made us feel at home. Annette loved being a barista, but she loved the coffee more! haha! Meeting new people, and she fell in love with the world of coffee. I was always watching from the sidelines, and I fell in love with the way a simple cup of coffee could bring people together.

That feeling never left us. We talked about “one day” for over 20 years.

Fast forward 24 years, my sister, a mother of four littles, stepping away from teaching, and me, a single mom of two, leaving corporate America world behind. This was our big leap of faith. We put our passion, hard work, and savings into opening Just Love Coffee in Mount Juliet in 2020—but then, the world shut down – covid!!

COVID-19 delayed our dream for over a year, but giving up was never an option. When they finally opened our doors in February in 2021, we poured everything into making our cafe a true community of gathering. Still at half capacity and upside down world of finding products, we never anticipated something so hard. But with the overwhelming support from our Mt. Juliet location community we quickly became the top-performing Just Love Coffee franchise in the nation, and we haven’t slowed down since. We thrive in loving our people, and doing it well. We have the opportunity to make a difference one teammate, and one guest at a time.

Now, 4 years later, with Annette and I owning and operating all our locations, our entrepreneurship is on the brink of opening our fourth location in Hermitage, TN. Our story isn’t just about coffee—it’s about perseverance, family, and proving that underdogs can win. Now we have many of our family members who are actively involved in the business and our team is truly an extension of our family.

Owning a local business isn’t easy, but my sister, brother-in law and I are living proof that with grit, heart, and a great cup of coffee, anything is possible.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Balancing Business and motherhood Navigating business growth in one of the hardest times in history of owning a business. Launching our dream during a pandemic, the same time our children lost their schools to a deadly tornado. Starting over in a new industry – learning as we go. Covid changed the game, something we still don’t know how we overcame and made it over to the other side.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Just Love Coffee, we take so much pride in not only serving exceptional coffee and food but also in building a team that thrives together. Many of our team members have been with us for years, a testament to our supportive, welcoming environment we’ve all worked hard to create, together. We believe in creating a space where both our employees and guests feel valued, safe, and at home. Balancing the demands of a growing business while maintaining that sense of community hasn’t always been easy, but it’s what drives us. We’ve built a place where locals and travelers feel comfortable bringing their families, where friendships are formed over coffee, and where excellence is our standard in everything we do. With big hearts and unwavering dedication, we pour our passion into every cup, every meal, and every interaction, always striving to be the best at what we do. We truly do strive for excellence.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Opening Just Love not only brought incredible opportunities but also led me to my husband, who has been my greatest supporter and constant source of encouragement. He, along with my kids, has believed in me every step of the way, cheering me on through every challenge and success. Our community has also shown us endless love and support, and we are beyond grateful for them. Annette’s husband, Michael, has been by our side through it all—not just as her husband and my brother-in-law, but as our business partner and someone we can always rely on.

Pricing:

• 10-20

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justlovecoffeecafe.com/tn-mt-juliet/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlovemtjuliet?igsh=MW9oNmo4aGQ0dmk2dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr