One of the brightest new additions to the Coachella Valley landscape is Hot Lips Coffee Shop in the Cathedral City Cove. Opened last summer to countless well-deserved accolades, the café is the brainchild of Cat City native (and veritable ray of sunshine) Tara Uziel, who, after stints working as both a lawyer and property manager in San Francisco, returned to her desert roots to open Hot Lips in a historic midcentury building originally designed by Jack McCallum. Learn more about Tara and her journey to coffee greatness below.
xo, Lindsay
What led you to return to the desert?
I grew up in the Cove and moved back two years ago. I lived throughout California but landed in San Francisco for over 20 years, initially to attend law school. I ended up getting married and having a family there. I never stopped coming home, though, and I always knew I’d be back as the desert held my heart and was home.
What did you do before launching Hot Lips?
I’m an attorney, but never found my passion in it. I managed multi-unit residential buildings in San Francisco, but burned out after five years. I became involved in community building as the PTA President of my kids’ elementary school. I loved bringing people together in fun, inventive ways.
What inspired you to open the cafe?
After coming back to the desert, to the Cove, I had to figure out my next steps. I couldn’t imagine a typical 9 to 5 work situation. A friend of mine – entrepreneur Staci Hall Romero, who owns Vetiver Salon and also lives in the Cove – suggested a coffee shop, since the Cove has really no other options besides Starbucks. The idea hit like a lightning bolt, guttural, and I went for it.
Did you have any background in coffee or did you have to learn from the ground up?
My experience with coffee was as a consumer. So when I decided to open the coffee shop, I had to learn the science of making a quality espresso. It’s definitely a learning process that takes time, practice, and love.
How did you choose the name?
I knew that I wanted to own a business called “hot lips” before I knew what that business was. The name came before the idea of the business. The name came from within me. I love that’s it’s cheeky, sexy and fun.
What was the inspiration behind the shop’s fabulous aesthetic?
I’m obsessed with Andy Warhol – I love the 70s – I love color and boldness and I could feel what would feel right in this particular space.
How did you source all of the furnishings and art?
The furnishings came from Alibaba on a shipping container – which was a leap of faith, but I found the pieces that would work and went for it. The current art comes from local artists Joey Maas and Brian Findleton. Some pieces I sourced from Revivals.
What is your go-to coffee drink?
I like a Cortado – I do it in the shop in an eight-ounce cup with espresso, milk, and a slight foam topper.
Favorite Hot Lips menu item?
I get my pastries from Si Bon – they are all delicious, but I love the Spinach Quiche and the plain croissant is my close second.
Best part of owning a coffee shop?
The people. I’m a curious person and find my flow in connecting with people. I’ve built strong connections with regulars that come in and feel like the shop is forming an extended family in my heart. I love meeting every single person that walks through the door. I also love collaborating – I have a mindset of abundance, that positivity creates more positivity. Collaborating with Tea With Iris, Vintage PS Gal, and Heavenly Pet Food brings me this feeling of positive power.
What has surprised you about owning a business here?
I had the naive assumption that if I built it, they would come, but it takes time to get the word out. It’s also shockingly hard to wear every hat. Some hats don’t fit me well, so pushing through the challenges is teaching me that I can do it all. Some things might take longer for me to get the hang of, but I am able to learn how to do it all.
Best business advice for newbie entrepreneurs?
Know the space fits the needs before signing anything. I got very lucky, but there were just too many unknowns that I wasn’t even aware of that could have stopped me before I even opened the door. Know if your space will require any high-price renovations by the Health Department or the City. Determine this by going to these agencies and requesting what will be required for the business type you are owning before you commit to a space.
What part of desert living brings you the most joy?
The desert itself, the mountains, the sky, the smell of the air, the sounds of the birds. Looking outside the window and knowing where I’m at brings me peace.
Best restaurants in the desert?
Other Coachella Valley favorites?
The Palm Springs Vintage Market (pictured), Revivals, and the bounty of free events hosted by the city of Cathedral City.
Thank You, Tara!
If you’re at all a fan of coffee, design, vintage or feel good vibes, you simply have to check out Hop Lips! As Tara notes, the place is a “daytime disco for your heart and soul.”