Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Koester.
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A few years ago, I lost my mom to cancer and it truly changed my life. I was working a 9-5 job and decided life was too short to do something that did not make me happy. I thought about the things that bring me joy and coffee instantly popped into my head. Coffee is the best part of my day. So, I decided to start a mobile coffee business. At the time, we didn’t have anything in our area like that and so I just ran with the idea. I operated the mobile business for a couple of years but always knew I wanted to eventually open a brick and mortar shop. When I first got into the coffee industry, I learned about gender equality issues so I decided to focus my shop on supporting women in the coffee industry. I named it Azalea Coffee Bar after my hometown of Summerville, SC which is known for the flower that blooms throughout the town during the spring and summer. The name reminds me of my mom and the women that raised me. Our shop has grown into a beautiful place that not only supports women in coffee but supports women and minority businesses in our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business is hard. It is a 24/7 job and even when I’m not “working”, I’m working. When I opened the brick and mortar shop, I knew a decent amount about coffee and coffee equipment which was helpful, but operating a mobile business is a lot different than an actual shop so there were some challenges. Also, we opened when Covid was still very unpredictable and the thought of having to close our doors was constantly hanging over my head. I think the greatest challenge has been finding good, reliable employees. I care about this business so much but not every person you hire does, which is understandable, but it can still be difficult. Overall, we haven’t had a terribly tough time but I’m still learning every single day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own a coffee shop that focuses on supporting women through coffee. We source all of our coffee and tea from female producers (female-owned and operated farms). We also partner with women and minority-owned businesses in our community. Our focus on supporting women and minorities really sets us apart from other coffee shops in our area.
I am so proud of the relationships that I have formed with other women in our community. We have hosted several vendor markets for women-owned businesses and they have been so successful. I love bringing new businesses to our shop so that our customers can support them, and those businesses grow. I truly love connecting with women and these relationships have made me a better business owner and person.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The biggest mistake I made was waiting so long to open my coffee shop. Sometimes we (women) tend to overthink things and wait for the right time. However, it will never be the “right” time so you just have to go for it. If you wait, someone else will start that business that you’ve been dreaming of for so long. I ended up opening Azalea two months after my wife and I welcomed our first child. It was hectic and crazy, but I did it!
Also, I would tell anyone starting out to lean on those that have come before you. Take advantage of partnerships with like-minded business owners and learn from them. Not all businesses will want to help you though (some will see you as competition) and that’s ok, but there are so many small business owners that will have great advice.
Contact Info:
- Website: azaleacoffeebar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azaleacoffeebar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azaleacoffeebar
Image Credits
Headshot: Stephanie Williams
