ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR – JORGE GUERRERO
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON MARCH 2, 2023
As the spring semester sweeps through St. Mary’s University, one may think of going to a peaceful study space to hang out and relax. Having opened in July of 2022 at Saint Paul Square in front of Sunset Station by the Alamodome, Vice Versa is a hybrid coffee shop and record store adorned with plants, shelves of records, band posters, and comfy chairs and couches to sit on while studying or relaxing with a refreshing drink. Vice Versa offers a variety of cold and warm beverages and an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches to pair for a unique experience in San Antonio.
Owner of Vice Versa, Vincent Guerrero was drawn to opening his business thanks to the push and inspiration from partner Joanabelle Timms. Timms owns and operates sister business Beauty Haus, offering a variety of beauty services such as tooth bling, eyelash and brow treatments, waxing and piercing services, tattoos and more. Guerrero mentioned, “Her drive pushed me to do the same and believe in myself.” When asked what he hopes to provide the community with Vice Versa, he answered, “I want this to be a cool, safe space where people can make memories and experience stuff that will live on with you forever.” He added, “Also a place where people can get inspired and bring ideas to life. Whether they get inspired or study and plan something really cool, I just want this place to be a hub with super cool people that are dreamers from all walks of life.” His answer rang true with Senior marketing student Yael Balbuena. Balbuena was interviewed about his thoughts on Vice Versa, where he stated: “I think Vice Versa is an innovative and collaborative space where students can study.” Vincent wants this shop to be a comfort zone for the public, and when asked how important it is for him to host a community space, he answered, “It’s very important to me for this to be a safe space. In fact, it’s the number one thing to me. This place is everybody’s house, it must be respected. That’s what community is: unity.”
Guerrero loves his space and cherishes what he’s accomplished in eight months. After asking him what he loves the most about running his shop, he replied, “It’s a lot of work but it’s rewarding.” He added, “Seeing a dad teach their kid how to play a record on a turntable, or being able to see people celebrate personal achievements [is rewarding.]”
Not only is Vice Versa a coffee shop and record store, but also a basement that serves as a venue for jazz nights and the occasional house music party hosted by local DJs. When asked to share what else his shop has to offer for students and the public, he replied, “Anything and everything. We’re a coffee shop, but we’ve made waves in the city in all aspects including our night market, music gigs etc. Who knows what’s next? We have so much to offer, [and] I believe with the love we receive from the community we give it back. The sky is the limit!” Concluding the interview, Guerrero commented on who he would want to visit his shop. He stated, “Honestly, my grandma, Santa Margarita Guerrero. She was the only person I told that I wanted to open this space before it was even a thought. She was sick and I told her I was scared and wanted to do this and quit my job to try to make this happen.” Guerrero said his grandmother told him, “Don’t be scared. You got this. In Jesus’ name you got this.” He wishes she could see what her grandson has achieved with the encouragement that she gave him.
Vice Versa is one of San Antonio’s hidden gems, and everyone should take a trip to Guerrero’s store. To a student, this coffee shop is one of the most unique study spots to visit; patrons can enjoy a locally brewed coffee, listen to records from Guerrero’s personal collection or simply relax and enjoy some downtime. Vice Versa hosts jazz nights every weekend, underground house music parties every other Wednesday and a night market that features a walk around St. Paul square and a variety of vendors.