Sandra Santane

Looking at Sandra Santané now, one might only see the success of the award-winning Cuppa Tahoe. However, the road to get there required grit, resilience, and a healthy dose of realism. She started in the hospitality industry at the age of 14, crying in the back of the house, but after thirty years of experience working in various countries and climbing the ranks, she had become a veteran of the hospitality industry. After a ten-year break to raise her four kids, she decided to dive back into the

industry to open her innovative concept store, combining a bookstore, coffee shop, and coworking space. This came with its hardships, including opening right after COVID lockdowns, the Caldor Fire a year later, and all the ups and downs of the Tahoe weather. However, with her heart and her family’s savings poured into the business, Santané was on a mission to succeed.

Now, Cuppa Tahoe has cemented itself as a community hub for locals and visitors alike. Santané’s passion for the planet, people, and her community doesn’t end there, as she volunteers for several nonprofit organizations and coaches skiing at one of the local ski resorts.