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| The author (not pictured) worked with her husband to turn an old horse trailer into a mobile coffee bar. Addi Robertson |
For years, I loved being a stay-at-home mom while my husband worked full-time, but I also carried a bigger dream — to build a six-figure business that I could one day pass on to my daughter. I wanted something of my own, something that combined passion, flexibility, and income potential.
At 21, I decided to finally take the leap. My inspiration came from my past experiences working as a barista, where I had genuinely enjoyed making drinks, learning the craft of coffee, and connecting with customers. I realized that those moments behind the counter weren’t just “jobs” — they were glimpses into a business model I could make my own.
So earlier this year, I set a clear goal: launch a mobile coffee bar in my home state of Louisiana with a budget of $10,000 from my savings. I knew it would be a challenge, but I also knew that if I treated it like an investment in my future, it could pay off in more ways than one.
Finding the Trailer and Bringing It to Life
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| The trailer (left) looked a little rough before we renovated it (right). Addi Robertson |
By March, my husband and I were driving to Baton Rouge to look at what would become the heart of my new business: a worn but functional horse trailer being sold privately for $2,000. It was far from café-ready, but I could see the potential. We towed it home, parked it in our driveway, and began the transformation.
Over the next month, my husband and I poured countless hours into renovations. We tackled everything from repainting the trailer to installing hookups for a generator, ensuring it would be functional at any location. We were intentional about doing as much as possible ourselves — from basic carpentry to the finishing touches — to keep costs within budget.
Meanwhile, I worked on the business side of things: designing the bar layout, sourcing appliances and coffee-making equipment, crafting a menu, and buying décor to make the space feel inviting. In total, the setup cost came to just a few dollars over $10,000, covering construction materials, decorations, appliances, and the coffee essentials to get us up and running. Luckily, I already owned a truck, so transporting the trailer was one less expense.
Having family nearby made a huge difference — they stepped in to help with childcare, allowing us to work long hours on the build without interruption. By the time the final coat of paint dried, I was ready to open for business.
Hitting the Ground Running
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| The original (left) and our renovated trailer (right). Addi Robertson |
My initial goal was simple: make back the $10,000 investment. I immediately began reaching out to local hospitals, colleges, farmers markets, and festivals to secure spots for the trailer. Some locations charged a small vendor fee, while others let me set up for free. I worked the trailer two to three days a week, typically from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., which allowed me to catch the busy morning coffee crowd.
When I wasn’t serving customers, I was busy behind the scenes — ordering supplies, prepping pastries and snacks to sell alongside drinks, and creating TikTok videos to promote the business and connect with local customers.
After just one month of operating, I had already cleared more than $4,000 in profit before taxes. Seeing those numbers so quickly was surreal. Not only was I covering my startup costs, but I was proving to myself that the business could be sustainable.
Building Momentum and Gaining Flexibility
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| Owning a small business isn’t always easy, but I’m so happy I started it. Addi Robertson |
Now, just over three months in, the coffee trailer is thriving. I work around 30 hours a week and consistently bring in over $4,000 a month (before taxes). My husband still pitches in, and as the business has grown, I’ve been able to hire employees to help during busy events. This has given me more flexibility — both to manage the business and to spend time with my family.
The trailer has also evolved from a morning coffee stop to a full-fledged event service. Customers can now book us for weddings, parties, and private gatherings, which opens up new income streams and increases exposure in the community. Eventually, I hope to add another trailer, doubling our reach and profits.
The Lessons That Changed Everything
Running a small business is never effortless. There are days when the workload is heavy, when equipment needs fixing, or when bookings fall through. But every challenge has reinforced my belief that this was the right path for me.
As a young mom without a college degree, this venture has shown me that ambition and hard work can be just as valuable as formal credentials. My coffee bar started as a dream, turned into a plan, and is now a profitable reality. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that anyone with a clear vision, dedication, and a willingness to start small can create something that changes their life.
