Rachel runs Buddies Coffee with her husband, Taylor Nawrocki, a former professional skateboarder.
Rachel, a born-and-raised New Yorker of Puerto Rican heritage, roasts and bags her own beans.
Buddies signature drink is the Coquito latte, a non-alcoholic twist on the classic Puerto Rican beverage.
This is gentrification, she said.
It just feels like you just cant win.
It feels like the small people cant win.
I want to uplift other women.
Im just scared, she continued.
Im recording this because Im hoping something good can come out of this.
What it meant for me to start a new business was this fresh start of, You know what?
Were not going anywhere.
Were staying, and we can succeed and build our businesses.
But money is always money.'
This coffee shop is my life.
I have no other form of income or have any partners.
Im gonna continue to work hard and show up.
I still truly believe that with my heart.
Among the many viewers moved by her story, one commenter stood out: You are awesome.
Im coming to support, Joe Jonas wrote.
Joe visited thecoffee shopon February 26.
Ceremonia Bakery just brought us over cookies and food to see to it we are fed.
Im beyond grateful for all of the new people and messages.
Ive never experienced anything like this.
On social media, people reflected on the power of community and the importance of supportingsmall businesses.
I grew up on Grand Street and Bushwick.
This neighborhoods response is completely unsurprising to me.
NY lives by its sense of community, and I love it, one user expressed.
Another added, Its bigger than coffee .
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