Today we’d like to introduce you to Mistina Chambers.
Mistina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In my family, “coffee” wasn’t just a beverage; it was a ritual. Our regular coffee shop was our haven, a place where my siblings, friends, and I would gather for hours, fueled by caffeine and companionship. We’d tackle homework, vent about work, and maybe even exchange flirts with the waitstaff, who knew us all by name and often joined our table during their breaks.
But then there was “Coffee Coffee.” That was different. That was code that a storm was brewing. It meant a broken heart, a devastating job rejection, the loss of someone close to us, or a relentless string of bad luck that left us feeling suffocated. Coffee Coffee was the outpouring of our deepest emotions – our dreams laid bare alongside our rawest fears. It was the messy, vulnerable process of healing, of finding our way back to the light after life had thrown its punches. In essence, we believed, and continue to believe that coffee, in its various forms, can help heal almost anything.
So, when the Covid pandemic settled in, I felt a deep stirring, a sense that I wasn’t aligned with my purpose. After nearly a decade in commercial property management in the Seattle area, my move to Summerville in 2018 left me feeling adrift, searching for my footing, my reason for being here. I wanted to show my children that one person could be a catalyst for change, that even in a world often shadowed by darkness, we each have the power to spread love and light.
That desire led me to volunteer with the Tri-County Task Force Against Human Trafficking. For two years, I poured my energy into creating a comprehensive resource list for survivors – a lifeline encompassing everything from housing and food to dental and legal aid, even help with resumes and opening bank accounts. This list was unique, connecting survivors with providers who often offered sliding scale or discounted services.
My journey then took an unexpected turn as I ventured into the world of coffee. I started with a food truck, envisioning a permanent spot on a piece of land I fought tirelessly for over two and a half years. Sadly, the local authorities didn’t share my vision, forcing me to close that chapter. But when I finally opened my brick-and-mortar location on College Park Road, the very first faces to appear amidst the construction were those of our local unhoused community. And my mission expanded once again. I utilized the same resource list to assist those in the unhoused community, those surviving domestic violence, and overall hardship. As the list began to be utilized, word spread like wildfire. Soon, I was approached by the Department of Veteran Affairs, local businesses eager to contribute, and various non-profits and religious organizations. The ripple effect of compassion had begun.
Today, our coffee shop houses an on-site food and clothing pantry, a haven open to anyone in need, no questions asked. We provide sustenance to an average of 10-15 individuals experiencing homelessness each day. Once a month, we host a warm meal event, welcoming 20-40 people. We’ve also become a crucial resource for domestic violence survivors, connecting them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. And each holiday season, we adopt 7-10 families, fulfilling their wish lists, providing essential household items, and ensuring they have a festive meal.
Now, we are actively creating the change we wish to see in the world, demonstrating to future generations that while we may all carry our own burdens, every single person deserves to be treated with love, dignity, and respect. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and nourishment for their bodies. Everyone deserves to be seen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It feels like every month is a tightrope walk, the rent hanging over our heads, a constant reminder of the bills we can’t quite catch up on. Yet, somehow, we’ve scraped by for three long years – from the food truck’s early days to pop-up events and now a year and a half in this storefront. But the cost has been steep; I haven’t drawn a wage, and my family has shouldered the burden of that sacrifice.
The journey to even open these doors has been a relentless uphill battle. I entrusted licensed contractors with deposits, only to be left with incomplete work. Then came the agonizing two-and-a-half-year fight for a construction permit, each month bleeding rent on a vacant lot. It wasn’t until a new face took over at the municipality that the battle finally broke. But by then, rebuilding capital after endless overhead costs and redesigns – even being forced to move a previously approved driveway – felt like starting all over. Just as we were regaining our footing, the city slapped us with exorbitant daily fines for operating the food truck on our own commercial property, claiming an ongoing list of what felt like excuses on the record, and being told we weren’t building fast enough and the Starbucks going in down the road was more beneficial to the city off the record. Adding insult to injury, the mayor publicly voiced his belief a short time later that food trucks devalued homes, signaling a clear lack of support.
Beyond the bureaucratic hurdles and financial strain, there’s been a constant undercurrent of being an outsider. Growing up in the open-minded environment of Seattle, I wasn’t prepared for the ingrained biases here in South Carolina. I’ve been dismissed as a “little girl” by contractors, told to defer to men by both contractors and public officials, and questioned if I have a husband to speak for me. A city official even admitted off the record that my struggles with permits stemmed from not being “a good ol boy” – a woman with pink hair and tattoos, not a local.
Even those closest to me, my ex-husband and my own mother, urged me to abandon this dream on multiple occasions, convinced it was a futile waste of time and resources, a path destined for failure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When you step into my coffee shop here in Goose Creek, you’re not just grabbing a cup of joe; you’re experiencing something uniquely ours. We’re the sole purveyor in South Carolina of White Coffee espresso, a delightful alternative to the traditional roast. And for those feeling a little adventurous, our “Chaos” drink is a customer favorite – a surprise concoction whipped up based on whatever inspiration strikes. I have a knack for creating unexpected flavor combinations that often-become new obsessions.
Beyond the distinctive drinks, what truly defines us is our deep connection to the Goose Creek / Summerville / Ladson community. My passion for what I do permeates every aspect of the shop, and I genuinely believe that you can literally taste the love that goes into making everything on our menu.
But the heart of our business and what I am most proud of lies in the community we’ve cultivated. my shop, I have Doctors and lawyers and folks from both sides of the political parties, and church members, and pagans, and homeless, and addicts that are all sitting at the same table. They know each other, they sit and laugh together. I am most proud of how I have brought people together through my love and passion of coffee and life.
It’s a beautiful thing to see doctors and lawyers and teachers and stay at home moms blue collar workers and individuals from across the political and faith aisles from each other and our neighbors experiencing homelessness or navigating addiction, all sharing tables and conversation. Here, in this space we’ve created, they connect, they laugh, they see each other. That’s what I’m most proud of – using my love for coffee and for life to bring people together in a real and meaningful way right here in the shop.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Even though my mother initially had reservations about my entrepreneurial path and sometimes suggested alternative directions, her support has been unwavering.
Furthermore, I’m blessed with a small circle of friends who have championed me and this endeavor even during times when I doubted myself and lacked the drive to persevere. They’ve been my steadfast support system, lifting me during my lowest points and fueling my determination. My employees are also incredible; their daily embodiment of my vision, fueled by genuine love and passion, makes them an extension of myself, and they excel in everything they do. My only regret is not being able to compensate them more generously.
My children and my ex-husband have also made immense sacrifices, allowing me to dedicate countless hours to help build this business, community, and safe haven. They’ve generously given me the space I’ve needed to pursue this, sometimes contributing their own time and energy to projects around the shop. My 9 year old daughter will often step in and help customers when things get busy.
And finally, our customers are our greatest advocates. Their appreciation for what we do at the shop is evident in their constant generosity, readily donating to our clothing closet and food pantry to bridge the gaps where our resources fall short. They are always willing to lend a hand, whether it’s offering a ride to a patron in need or fulfilling specific requests. Their word-of-mouth referrals are the lifeblood of our business, enabling us to continue our community-focused work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hurricanecoffeesc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hurricanecoffeecompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneCoffeeCompany
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hurricane-coffee-company/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hurricanecoffeecompany5343
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hurricane-coffee-company-ladson?osq=hurricane+coffee+company
