Julian Cavazos: Born and Raised in the Heart of Harlandale ISD
Julian Cavazos was born and raised on the south side of San Antonio, within the Harlandale ISD district. The close-knit community
that shaped his formative years is the same place he calls home today. Julian still resides in the neighborhood where his journey began and now works as an ESL/Special Education teacher at McCollum High School, giving back to the district that molded him.
Julian’s professional life has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his community. From a young age, he set his sights on becoming a tennis player, a passion that shaped much of his early identity. Graduating from McCollum High School, he balanced his academic life with a rigorous tennis training regimen, navigating the challenges of the pandemic during his senior year in 2020.
He continued his journey at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, eventually graduating in May 2024. Balancing morning tennis sessions, working warehouse jobs, and studying, Julian displayed incredible tenacity in demanding circumstances. However, a sudden and heartbreaking end to his tennis career forced him to reevaluate his future, leaving him grappling with a profound sense of loss and searching for a new path.
Despite the challenges, Julian remained determined to find his next chapter. He considered different avenues, including boxing, but ultimately realized his true calling lay elsewhere. With the support of his family—his parents Norma and Art, his sister Anel, and his girlfriend Skylar—he channeled his energy into a new dream: opening a coffee shop.
Inspired by countless Sunday morning outings with his father and sister to local coffee spots, Julian’s vision for a community-driven coffee shop was born. The journey to open Brewjeria Coffee has been filled with obstacles, including unreliable business partners and setbacks. Still, those challenges only deepened his appreciation for the process and strengthened his resolve.
One of Julian’s proudest achievements is the trust he has built with others through his consistency and dependability. What sets him apart is his unwavering determination in the face of adversity. While many would have given up after the hurdles he faced—losing tennis and the struggles of launching a business—Julian kept his sights on the future. He embodies a mindset of continuous growth, a lesson imparted by his mother’s community activism and his father’s optimism about San Antonio’s future.
Julian is fueled by his passion for the South Side community. His goal is to make a lasting, positive impact beyond owning a coffee shop. He says, “I want to be the change and have a tremendous impact on the community, the city, the country, and the world.”
For those looking to support Julian and his venture, the best way is to stop by Brewjeria Coffee for freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or tea. You can also connect with Julian @julian.cavazos and Brewjeria @brewjeriacoffeesa on social media to stay updated and be part of the journey.
In addition to his passion for coffee and community, Julian is a fan of classical music from legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett. His musical tastes might surprise some, but they reflect his appreciation for timeless artistry and tradition.
Julian advises others: “We are only limited by what we can imagine. If you can imagine more, then you can accomplish more.”
