What started as a casual coffee run with his girlfriend has grown into a citywide exploration of Baltimore’s most underrated coffee shops. Through short-form videos that blend food, storytelling and everyday curiosity, Ace has built a growing platform centered on connection and presence. His coffee series takes viewers from neighborhood to neighborhood, highlighting local businesses while encouraging people to step outside their routines. In an interview with The News-Letter, Ace reflects on how the series began, what it has taught him about Baltimore and why creating is ultimately about human connection.
The News-Letter: Before we get started, could you please introduce yourself and share how you first got involved with social media?
Ace Buagas: My name is Ace, and I got into the social media space about two, two and a half years ago. I really didn’t take it seriously at first. I actually started off on TikTok doing running content, and it just never took off. And then one day, I did something where I spoke about relationships, and then it started taking off.
I have an entire TikTok account with about 55,000 followers talking about relationships, trauma, friendships, human psychology, human behavior — all things I’m fascinated by, aside from food. Over time, I didn’t ditch that niche, but I started focusing more on things that inspired me and where my interests naturally gravitated, like fitness and lifestyle, with food fitting into that narrative.
So I created a separate Instagram account, which is what you see today. It’s a mix of everything. If someone looks at my page now, it’s like, “Oh, this is the coffee guy.” Two months ago, it was fitness. Two months before that, it was storytelling. I prefer it that way because it shows more of the human aspect. Interests change with seasons, and right now, it’s cold, I love coffee and I get coffee every day.
N-L: How did you get started with the coffee series?
AB: I wish I had a grand revelation, but honestly, I was just getting coffee with my girlfriend. I had a light bulb moment while drinking it and thought, “It’s pretty good. If you had to rank this, what would it be?” She ranked hers, I ranked mine and then we talked about what could have been better.
That’s when I thought, I could probably do this with other coffee shops around the area. I went home, started searching on Google, Yelp and other platforms, and realized there are over 100 coffee shops in Baltimore. At first that surprised me, but then it made sense. Baltimore has a highly underrated food scene, and there are already creators here doing great food content. This felt like a way to explore the city through something I already loved.
N-L: What do you love most about Baltimore’s coffee culture?
AB: I love how underrated it is. There are gems right in front of us, but most of the time, they’re only known by the people who live in those neighborhoods.
Doing these reviews pushes me out of my routine. I get to explore parts of Baltimore I’d probably never go to otherwise. Every coffee shop has a different vibe and culture. They curate your experience differently, and that’s what makes it special.
People ask me what my favorite coffee shop is, and it’s a hard question. That’s like asking a foodie what their favorite food is. Every place does something different. One has great ambiance, another has better pastries, another just feels welcoming. I live in Canton, but now I’m in Remington or other neighborhoods, discovering places I never would have visited. It encourages my audience to do the same and take a short drive to try something new.
N-L: You have a distinct format for your videos. How did you decide on it, and what does it take to stay consistent with a project like this?
AB: I did a bit of research. Social media gives you historical evidence of what works. People think they have to be influencers, but really, you have to be creators. When I studied popular food creators, I noticed people love following journeys. Day one, day two, day three. People like quests.
So, I took inspiration from creators who did that well and made it my own. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Someone once said good artists copy, great artists steal and adjust it just enough to make it theirs. That’s what I did.
It also evolved naturally. My first video was completely improvised. I didn’t know what criteria I was using until I was filming. I started with popular coffee, then pastries, then people suggested checking out the vibe. A lot of it came together in the moment, and the editing really brought it to life.
The challenge is prioritization. I’m very regimented. I have everything scheduled. One of the best things I’ve heard is that you don’t lack ideas, you lack deadlines. I’ve had a lot of ideas I never gave 100 percent to. With this series, I am. That means intentionally making time for it, whether that’s mornings, afternoons or even late at night, while still balancing work and everything else.
N-L: How has the Baltimore community responded, and have you built meaningful connections along the way?
AB: It’s been really positive. I’m talking to people I never would have spoken to otherwise. Especially with everything going on in the world, this feels like a way to focus on something good. Coffee, small businesses, exploring neighborhoods — these are things that make us human.
Not every coffee shop is for everyone. Sometimes people message me saying they hated a place I liked. And that’s fine. I appreciate their opinion. I had a positive experience, and they didn’t.
I like going to shops unannounced. I don’t take compensation because I want my reviews to be unbiased. I’ve gotten messages from baristas, shop pages and social media teams, but the most meaningful connections have been with my followers. People tell me they tried a shop because of my video or that they started creating their own content after watching mine.
I’ve also met people in coffee shops who recognize me and strike up conversations. Those are people I never would have met if I wasn’t doing this.
N-L: Looking back, what has been your biggest success throughout this journey?
AB: The connections. We live in a society that values extreme individualism, and that often leads to a lack of real connection. Through social media, I’ve met my girlfriend, my best friends, mentors and collaborators. I’ve had opportunities I never imagined, all because I put myself out there.
It’s given me confidence and motivation. I’m not embarrassed to keep going. I’d be embarrassed to stop. The wheels have to stay in motion.
N-L: What’s next for you, and what do you want readers to know as they follow your journey?
AB: I want to keep posting about my interests. Right now, that’s coffee, but that could change. I’m starting another series focused on things to do after a nine-to-five, not just living for the weekend.
At the end of the day, I want people to know I’m doing this to reflect where I’m at in my life. Interests change, and that’s okay. If I had to leave readers with anything, it’s this: follow your passions, prioritize your mental and physical health, and make meaningful connections. Put yourself out there.
The first few videos I made were not good. I had 20 likes. But imagine 20 people in a room saying they like you. That matters. There’s a lot to see outside your bubble, and sometimes it starts with something as simple as a cup of coffee.
