The Right Coffee for You - Black Powder Coffee
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Stahlman, owner of Black Powder Coffee, located in Mooresville, NC.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Black Powder Coffee is a woman-owned & operated small business since 2013, providing the best quality coffee with a personal guarantee to superior service. Our coffee is responsibly harvested by our partners, and craft roasted on-site by our dedicated staff. Our staff takes great care in helping our customers find the right coffee they are looking for with each specific taste profile. With over 20 single origins, eight blends created in-house, and delicious swiss water process decaf coffees, we know we can find the right coffee for you.
Tell us about yourself
Traveled the world looking for unique coffee and could not find it locally. Local stores were missing the mark in craft coffee. Being the first craft coffee roaster in the Mooresville/Lake Norman, NC area, we pride ourselves on educating the public on the different taste profiles of each coffee. Each day is an experience where we can introduce new coffees to the public, both wholesale and our retail customers. Don't rob yourselves of unique flavors in the coffee world. Embrace what each coffee can bring you as you go about your day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be learning more about the coffee industry and how it is evolving to bring everyone together. The team at Black Powder Coffee is an extended family, and we've been together through the pandemic and have grown as a team and business more than we could have imagined. Our goal is to continue providing our loyal customers with specialty craft roasted coffee in a sustainable market in wholesale and retail.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
At Black Powder Coffee, we believe we provide world-class coffee without leaving a footprint on the earth. This begins with superior coffee beans from high elevations, followed by masterful roasting and ending with unforgettable flavor at a fair price. Our goal is to not be the largest roasting company but the best at what we do, which in turn makes people feel good with every cup. I'd say the hardest thing that comes with maintaining this is doing our best to not pass the higher prices on to the customer but still making a profit at the end of the day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Make a business plan to keep yourself on track and see your vision become a reality.
2. Expect to work long hours as building a business is hard and demanding. But in order to be successful, you'll need to put in the work. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears will be shed through the process.
3. Be flexible but also don't be afraid to stand your ground.
Anything else you'd like to share?
As business owners, we go through a lot of highs and lows. You'll need to enjoy your lows as these are ways to teach yourself how to grow, but also enjoy the highs, and these are accomplishments that you've achieved. Rejoice in those moments. Hold your head high and take time to look back as to where you started and where you are now.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.blackpowdercoffee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/blackpowdercoffee
https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-powder-roasting-company
https://www.facebook.com/blackpowdercoffee
https://twitter.com/BPRoastingCo
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.