Meet Kira Hanna | Co-Owner at Up Top Cafe

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kira Hanna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kira, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Up Top Café has been creating a space that genuinely connects with the community. From day one, our goal wasn’t just to serve coffee and food—it was to serve moments, memories, and a sense of belonging. We’ve focused on building an atmosphere that feels welcoming and intentional, where every drink or bite is crafted with care and every customer feels like part of our extended family.

A close runner-up to that would be my own connection with my family. Our entire family works hands-on at the café, and we pour into it the same love, energy, and dedication that we pour into each other. It’s a true family effort, and I think people can feel that warmth and teamwork when they walk through our doors.

And finally, a big contributor to our success is that one of our main focuses at Up Top Café is what we pour into and provide for our community. That’s why events, community outreach, and networking are at the heart of what we do. We host a variety of events, from pottery classes to pop-ups featuring talented creatives selling their wares. We’ve partnered with local charities, organizations, and businesses to bring people together in meaningful ways.

We’ve had the honor of showcasing incredible musicians and artists in our space, and we’re thrilled to be hosting the first fundraising event for a new local nonprofit, Connect Del Norte. It’s opportunities like these that highlight how community-focused we are. Being trusted by the community to create these experiences is such a blessing. That trust brings about so many wonderful things—not just for us, but for everyone around us. It empowers us to do more, give more, and create a ripple effect of positivity and support.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background is actually in hair—13 years with my cosmetology license, believe it or not. Having that foundation in a customer-service-driven industry has been invaluable in how we run and operate things at Up Top Café. The skills I honed in connecting with people, understanding their needs, and providing a personalized experience have translated seamlessly into the café environment. It’s a testament to the idea that you can pivot from anywhere to anywhere if you bring your passion, determination, and heart to the table.

I was fortunate to experience a lot of success in my hair career, but with success came its fair share of growing pains, discomfort, and challenges that required creative problem-solving. Those lessons stuck with me and have shaped how I approach challenges in this new venture. Every day at the café is a new opportunity to grow, adapt, and do better than the day before.

The way Up Top Café came to be is actually a funny story. My mom and I were running her soap brand, Dirty Bits Soapery, and our clothing boutique, A Little More Boutique, just a block over from where the café is now. We had been renting those spaces and were looking for a spot to purchase to move those two stores over. Through the grapevine, we heard that the space we now occupy was for sale, so we checked it out before it even hit the market. We were incredibly lucky to put in an offer and purchase the building.

Initially, the plan was to condense the café concept and focus more on Dirty Bits Soapery and A Little More Boutique. But as time went on, the café idea really took root, grew, and flipped everything on its head. We decided to pursue the coffee shop more seriously, and it has been such an incredible journey. Luckily, the space is quite big, so we’ve been able to incorporate pieces of Dirty Bits Soapery and A Little More Boutique into Up Top Café. Those two businesses were the foundation that made this leap into the café possible, and having them still be a part of this journey has been such a blessing.”

What sets Up Top Café apart is that it’s not just a business—it’s a story of reinvention, family, and community. We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome and cared for. My journey has taught me the power of resilience, the importance of staying grounded in your values, and the beauty of taking risks for something you truly believe in. I want the world to know that our café is built on love, intention, and the belief that great things happen when you pour your heart into them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“Nature is king out here, and I’d kick off the trip by diving into everything this area has to offer. There’s an incredible range of outdoor activities—hiking, soaking in the hot springs, camping, rafting, fly fishing—you name it. We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful and diverse outdoor playground, and I’d want my best friend to experience every bit of it.

First stop? Up Top Café, of course! We’re thrilled to have recently received our liquor license, so brunch would definitely be on the menu—every day if I could help it. There’s nothing better than starting the day with great food, amazing coffee, and now, the perfect brunch cocktail. It’s a vibe I’d want them to experience firsthand.

From there, we’d hit the hot springs to relax, take a day trip to Pagosa Springs for some coffee at Root Down (my favorite spot out there), and spend a night camping up at Cathedral. It’s one of my go-to places to unplug and connect with nature. And, of course, we’d wrap it all up by spending time at my family’s property—a historic eighth-generation homestead with an original cabin from the 1800s. Sharing that piece of history and my roots is always such a meaningful experience.

The week would be a perfect blend of adventure, history, relaxation, and community, showcasing everything that makes this area such an amazing place to live and visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my family, hands down. Without them none of this would be possible. Their unwavering love, support, and willingness to roll up their sleeves and work alongside me have been instrumental in making Up Top Café what it is today. Every step of the way, they’ve been my cheerleaders, my sounding boards, and my team.

I also want to recognize our incredible community in Del Norte. From our loyal customers who show up every day to the local businesses that collaborate and support one another, this town has created a network of encouragement that inspires me daily.

Finally, I’d like to shout out to the dreamers and doers who’ve inspired me along the way—whether through a powerful conversation, a book that lit a spark, or a mentor who shared their wisdom. These moments of inspiration keep me pushing forward and dreaming big.

Website: https://www.uptopcafeco.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/uptopcafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uptopcafeco

Other: https://TikTok.com/uptopcafe