MANGILAO, Gu. (Oct. 27, 2019) —Carmela Tyquiengco, 25, makes it her goal to lighten the load on students through her coffee. Tyquiengco is the co-owner of Marmela’s Coffee, which has been serving the UOG students since 2017.
“We just try to be positive and happy and make sure our customers are happy,” Tyquiencgo said.
Tyquiengco has a variety of customers ranging from students to faculty. She said that she set up a special menu for people with specific tastes in coffee. Those with a taste for strong coffee can order an iced Americano and those who like sweet coffee can order a Moco Coco.
Tyquiengco currently owns the business with her boyfriend, Marcus Lopez. The coffee trailer gets its name from its two owners.
“My boyfriend’s name is Marcus and my name is Carmela,” Tyquiengco said. “When we first started dating, that’s what my family used to call us. Marmela.”
Tyquiengco was born in Hawaii and moved to Guam as a child. She is half CHamoru and half Italian.
Tyquiengco said her business began as a vendor that sold shaved ice at events such as the Festival of Pacific Arts, soccer matches and football games. The business later transitioned into Marmela’s Coffee in 2017.
Tyquiengco hopes to be able to open up Marmela’s Coffee branches around Guam and expand the bussiness’ presence on the island.
Although Tyquiengco is not a student, she feels that pursuing higher education with a positive mindset is important. The goals of the coffee trailer reflect this belief.
As a co-owner of an establishment promoting positivity, Tyquiengco displays this goal through her relationships.
Tyquiencgo said that the coffee trailer’s 23-year-old general manager, Tanisha Elgarico, is currently pursuing a higher education at the Guam Community College. Tyquiengco wants to be able to support her co-worker and friend through encouragement.
“Any way that we can help out, we’ll be here,” Tyquiengco said.
Tyquiencgo said that she hopes to convey the importance of positivity, hard work and taking the opportunity in any aspect of life through her establishment.
The coffee stand is located in front of the UOG Robert F. Kennedy Library on Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.