We recently had the chance to connect with Lisa Huron Steven Schillaci and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa Huron , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, hands down. Intelligence and energy are both incredibly valuable — and you certainly need them when you’re running a coffee business out of a solar-powered van in the Colorado mountains — but integrity is what everything else rests on. It’s what drives how we source from local partners, how we treat our team, and how we show up for our community. Energy keeps us going on those 4 a.m. event days, and intelligence helps us problem-solve when we’re juggling logistics, but integrity ensures we’re building something that lasts and that we’re proud to stand behind.
Coffee wakes people up — integrity keeps them coming back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re Lisa and Steven, the duo behind Astro Coffee — think of us as your neighborhood baristas on wheels, powered by sunshine and a little rocket-fueled passion. We serve craft espresso drinks, energy drinks, burritos, at markets, schools, weddings, and festivals across Colorado. What makes Astro special? We’re fully solar-powered, we source everything locally, and our brand is as fun and space-themed as our drinks (try the Nutty Astronaut or Rocket Fuel and you’ll see what we mean!). We love turning everyday coffee into an experience — one that’s delicious, sustainable, and out of this world.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Lisa: “For me, it was when I was a dog trainer working with dogs that others may have given up on. Helping an anxious or misunderstood dog find confidence — and watching the bond form with their owner — made me realize how powerful patience and communication can be. That same feeling shows up today when we serve at a school or community event and see the joy our coffee brings.”
Steven: “My earliest memory of feeling powerful was camping with my dad. I caught a fish on my own, built the fire by myself, and then cooked the fish we ate that night. It was this moment of realizing I could take care of myself in the wild — that I had the skills to provide and create. That independence and resourcefulness shaped me, and it’s something I still carry into the work we do with Astro”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Lisa: “Absolutely — when we first started, there were times it felt like the odds were stacked against us. Our vans battery system failed during back-to-back events, we were short staffed, and the long days with a little one at home stretched us thin. There were nights when I wondered if we’d bitten off more than we could chew. But every time, it came back to community. A customer telling us we made their morning, a school writing to say we were the highlight of their event, or even my daughter saying she’s proud of ‘our coffee van’ — that’s what reminded us why we started and why we keep going.”
Steven: “For me, it was 2020. When COVID hit, I almost gave up on coffee altogether. Cafés were closing, events were cancelled, and it felt like the whole industry was upside down. But that moment forced us to think differently — to pivot away from the traditional café path and build something mobile, flexible, and resilient. That’s really where Astro was born. What felt like an ending became a beginning, and I’m so glad we didn’t quit.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“One of the biggest lies in coffee is that there’s only one right way to do things. The truth is, coffee people can be a little stuck up sometimes — whether it’s about brewing methods, roast profiles, or latte art. But what we’ve learned is that there’s always room for growth and improvement, and everyone brings their own perspective and craft to the table. Just because you do it one way doesn’t mean another way is wrong. What really matters is coming together to share knowledge, support each other, and help the industry grow in a way that lifts everyone up — from farmers to baristas to the communities we serve.”
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
“We’re investing in sustainability, relationships, and legacy. Solar power, battery systems, and eco-friendly operations don’t pay off immediately — they cost more upfront and take constant trial and error. But in 7–10 years, those investments will mean a fleet that’s cleaner, quieter, and more resilient. We’re also building long-term relationships with schools, markets, and local partners — connections that deepen with time and create trust. And beyond the business itself, we’re working toward financial independence and creating a model that gives us more freedom to travel as a family. Our daughter, Ava, is growing up watching this all unfold, and whether or not she chooses to carry Astro forward someday, she’ll have seen firsthand how building something with heart can also build a life full of possibility.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astrocoffee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrocoffeevan/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrocoffeevan/
Image Credits
Sarah Joy
