In the heart of San Marcos, Texas, Native Blends has become a go-to spot for health-conscious residents craving good coffee, fresh smoothies and juices, and good music. The vibrant shop is the creation of Elmer Moreno, a passionate entrepreneur who turned his dream into a thriving reality in 2021.

We asked Elmer what motivated him to start his own business: “I kind of always had the entrepreneur mindset,” he said. “I was always looking for ways to make money. I’ve worked all my life, and at every job, I’ve always had like leadership mindset and have always taken on like leadership roles. At all my jobs.” Elmer, who went to college at Texas State University in Sam Marcos, earned his bachelor’s degree in 2018 in exercise sports science with concentration and pre-rehabilitation sciences. His plan was to go into physical therapy, but like many entrepreneurs, his career had many detours as he worked his way to success. 
 Elmer’s journey to business ownership wasn’t without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, he faced the daunting task of securing the resources and knowledge needed to launch his venture. That’s where BCL of Texas stepped in. With our mission to empower entrepreneurs through financial tools and education, BCL helped Elmer navigate the complexities of starting a business.

Through strategic guidance and financial support, BCL gave Elmer the confidence and resources to open Native Blends. BCL’s commitment to fostering diversity and equity aligned perfectly with Elmer’s vision of creating a welcoming space for his community. Today, Native Blends is not just a business; it’s a community hub where customers can enjoy nutritious beverages while supporting a local entrepreneur’s dream.

Elmer’s message for aspiring entrepreneurs is “be confident, try different things!” His advice: “Never give up! You open a coffee shop and turns out it’s not working out so well? Let me launch some acai bowls. You keep trying. You keep going, you do things and learn from them, even failures. You just got to do it and see how it goes and then you adjust and then you just keep adjusting and adjusting. He says he didn’t just experiment with products, menu, and services, but also with pricing and other offerings. “It’s all about fine-tuning,” he says. The best part of The Native Blend are the customers, Elmer says, which is why he enjoys creating a space for them that they love and will come back to, time and again.

BCL of Texas remains dedicated to uplifting small business owners like Elmer, focusing on underserved communities including people of color, women, veterans, and rural entrepreneurs. Elmer’s success is a testament to the impact of these programs, proving that with the right support, small businesses can thrive and make a lasting difference.

Next time you’re in San Marcos, stop by Native Blends to taste their delicious smoothies and experience the inspiring story behind this local gem.