We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Calo-Witt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I am averse to the one-size-fits-all mentality. I say this in terms of life in general and the big decisions we are faced with along the way. Too often I have experienced the sensation of being funneled into pathways and channels that don’t fit. From choosing a college, to raising children, to starting a business. the “should-dos” for one person often do not translate across the board. “Get an MBA to start a business,” “Don’t quit,” “Go to college,” “Wait to get married.” for me, conventional wisdom creates useful guidelines but few good rules. Each of our stories are uniquely our own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Clairemont Coffee sits at the top of a hill over looking Mission Bay in San Diego. We offer a variety of espresso drinks, pastries, smoothies and more.
It is a special little neighborhood coffee shop. The community that supports us is diverse, eclectic, loyal and kind. Through daily interactions we have watched kids grow up, couples get engaged, new jobs begin and so much more. Our staff has changed and grown, each individual adding their own flavor to the team. I take personal pride in our menu and our local partners. Organic coffee from San Diego Coffee co., fresh baked goods from Bread and Cie, and our famous, fresh and delicious Acai and Pitaya bowls.
We recently celebrated 10 years at Clairemont Coffee, 9 years for me personally working there and 2 years of ownership. The journey from a young student working through school to being a small business owner has been a wonderful and surprising adventure. Sometimes I have found the biggest struggle I have encountered is simply getting out of my own way. The understanding that when opportunities present themselves, it is ok to say yes. Giving myself permission to move through open doors rather than struggling towards the idea of the right way, has led me into new areas of life I didn’t know existed. I would say that while hard work and dedication are needed to succeed it does not always mean leaning into spaces that are hard for the sake of being hard. Sometimes the “right path” is in fact the clear and easy one, it just takes a little faith.
Speaking of faith, I have recently created the opportunity to pursue another passion of mine as a Cosmetologist. I recently opened my own suite creating custom cuts and colors in the San Diego area. I am thrilled to pursue this creative venture in tandem of the work I do at Clairemont coffee.
The ability to create my own schedule and pursue multiple passions leaves me full of gratitude and excitement for more to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So much good food! Let’s go.
Food: Potato breakfast burrito at Roberto’s taco shop.
Loaded fries and drinks at Amplified Ale house.
Plumeria Thai University Heights.
A date night at Starlite and of course a stop for an Acai bowl.
Coffee and Beer: A sugar and spice latte from Clairemont Coffee.
Lofty coffee Little Italy.
Communal Coffee North Park.
Epig, Societe, Belching beaver & Kairoa breweries.
Activities: Balboa Park,
The seven bridges walk through Hillcrest, Sea lions in La Jolla,
Ocean Beach farmers market,
SD Safari Park and Zoo,
Cowles Mountain hike and Wind & Sea beach.
Other wanders: A day in Julian, a night in Idyllwild, a trek to Joshua tree.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my business partner Casey Daugherty who is my opposite and counterbalance in every way and only with her practicality and common sense have I been able to envision a future in which we grow our business in a sustainable, healthy direction.
My husband deserves a shoutout for many reasons but particularly his support and faith which has allowed me to explore and experiment my way through entrepreneurship.
My daughter Charlie is my constant inspiration, I strive to make her proud.
I am blessed by a supportive, encouraging and uplifting family, friends and community.

Website: sdclairemontcoffee.com & hannahcalowitt.glossgenius.com

Instagram: sdclairemontcoffee & hlehua.hair.designs

Facebook: sdclairemontcoffee

Yelp: Clairemont Coffee

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.