Gisselle Poveda

An entrepreneur driving change one-cup-of-coffee at a time

Philadelphia, PA. –  Gisselle Poveda’s story is a testament to perseverance, vision, and commitment to her community. From a young age, she knew that entrepreneurship was part of her life, even if she wasn’t always aware of it. Today, as the owner of Café Tinto, she has transformed a family business into a space for growth, proving that success goes beyond sales—it’s about creating a real impact.

Gisselle immigrated from Colombia to Philadelphia at the age of 14, and just three years later, her family opened a bakery in the city. She vividly remembers her father sitting down with her mother and sister and saying, “There’s an opportunity to open a business, but I need all of you to commit.” Using her grandfather’s traditional recipes, the business quickly grew and expanded. However, her parents’ separation changed the company’s course, and Gisselle and her mother took over one of the locations.

She wants to ensure immigrants have access to the resources they need

Although she grew up working in the bakery, it wasn’t until a trip to Milan, Italy, that she truly understood the power of entrepreneurship. There, her aunt introduced her to the successful business she had built and gave her life-changing advice: “Prepare yourself, get educated, and find a way to create something of your own.” Inspired by that conversation, Gisselle returned to Philadelphia and decided to study business administration. But her passion pushed her to take a bold step—leaving college to focus entirely on Café Tinto.

La capacidad de adaptación de Gisselle Poveda fue clave para su negocio durante la pandemia.

In 2015, she took full control of the business and began to transform it. The biggest challenge came during the pandemic, when she had to rethink her entire strategy to keep the café afloat. Instead of giving up, she implemented innovative solutions: she set up a takeout window, launched her own online ordering and delivery platform—avoiding costly third-party commissions—and optimized her operations. Thanks to her adaptability, Café Tinto not only survived but grew exponentially.

But for Gisselle, success isn’t just personal. Aware of the challenges faced by Colombians in Philadelphia, she has led efforts to establish a Colombian consulate in the city, ensuring that immigrants no longer have to travel to New York for essential services. Her commitment to the community extends beyond business—she wants to make sure immigrants have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Now, she is focused on expansion. In June 2025, she will open a second Café Tinto location in Fishtown, a neighborhood where she had always dreamed of having a café. “This business isn’t just mine—it belongs to everyone who believes in the power of hard work and community,” she proudly states.

Café Tinto Wyoming is located at 143 E Wyoming Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120, open 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM, closed on Sundays. In 2025, customers will also be able to visit the new Fishtown location.

Gisselle Poveda’s journey reflects the resilience, hard work, and determination of many Latina women. Her story proves that when passion, strategy, and commitment come together, any dream can become a reality.

Por: Martin Alfaro
Fotos: Simón Bolívar | Hispanic Media