We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casey Daugherty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Casey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

It was February of 2021, and I was eight months pregnant, chatting with my sister-in-law, Hannah, about her future. She had worked at Clairemont Coffee for seven years, and the coffee shop was about to change hands. Bob, the owner, was retiring and had built the shop from the ground up in what used to be a tax office back in 2013. With his retirement came the news that the shop was for sale, and Bob asked Hannah if she was interested in buying it. He had always hoped the shop could stay within the family.

Sitting in my living room, Hannah and I discussed her options, but the conversation took an unexpected turn. As a joke, I asked her, “What if we went in on it together?” Without skipping a beat, she replied, “I’m down.” And just like that, a spark was lit.

Neither of us had ever owned a business, but we both knew the value of hard work and determination. I had been working as a project manager for an e-commerce brand but loved the idea of something new. While I had no experience in coffee or business ownership I had always been drawn to the idea of owning something that could provide a sense of independence and create opportunities. Hannah, of course, had a deep love for coffee and the craft behind it.

The more we thought about it, the more we realized this could be the perfect opportunity for us. We met with Bob to learn about how he runs the shop, discussed his plans, and weighed whether we could really pull it off financially. With a lot of nerve, a bit of creativity, and a willingness to take the plunge, we scraped together the money, entered escrow, and officially took over Clairemont Coffee on July 1, 2021.

The journey has been full of challenges—many sleepless nights, countless lessons learned, and more than a few mistakes along the way. But with each challenge, we’ve grown stronger and more confident in our abilities as business owners. Our team and the community that we have built on at Clairemont Coffee has become our family, and every cup of coffee served is a testament to the hard work and passion we’ve poured into making Clairemont Coffee a beloved community spot.

Then, in October 2023, another opportunity came knocking. We were approached about a coffee shop in Lemon Grove that was for sale. It was a beautiful art deco space, much larger than our first shop, located right across from the iconic lemon. The neighborhood was different, but we saw the potential to open a second location.

Once again, we decided to take a risk. On March 18, 2024, we opened Lemon Grove Coffee, our second location, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s been another big leap, but it feels right. Our journey has shown us that when you take risks with the right people and the right mindset, you can create something truly special.

Looking back, I never could have imagined how a casual conversation with Hannah would lead to such a life-changing journey. But now, as a mother, business owner, and risk-taker, I’m grateful for every moment of this adventure. Hannah and I now have 4 children between us, 20 team members to help with daily duties, and the unwavering support of our husbands and families. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Casey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up in New York, where my father was a captain in the fire department and a nurse in the ER, and my mother owned a business creating custom window treatments. From an early age, a strong work ethic was instilled in me, and I’ve been working since I was 14. After graduating from UMass Amherst, I moved to San Diego, thinking I’d stay for just a few years before returning home—like so many people who move here. But life had different plans.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—bartending, waiting tables, nannying, working as a personal assistant. Eventually, I began freelancing as a production coordinator and location scout for various production companies. The hours were long, but I loved the variety and the challenge. I then transitioned to a customer service role with an e-commerce brand. This led to a full-time project manager position in the marketing department until 2023, when I was laid off. This ended up being a blessing in disguise, giving me the time to focus on my true passion: the coffee shop.

Running a business has been a natural extension of my diverse work experience. My background has taught me how to solve problems, and I’ve learned that when something needs to be done, I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of solutions and my ability to tackle challenges head-on. My New York attitude is still with me—I work hard, I’m honest (probably to a fault) and I bring a bit of that big-city hustle to everything I do. But moving to San Diego has also taught me the value of balance, a more sensitive approach, and the importance of community.

At Clairemont Coffee, I’m fortunate to have found a business partner in my sister-in-law, Hannah, who complements me in ways neither of us ever expected. Together, we run our business with positivity and leading by example. We would never ask our team to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves, and we strive to be fair in all our policies, giving grace where needed because we know how much grace we need ourselves too. What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come, not just in building two successful coffee shops, but in creating a team and culture that values hard work, honesty, and community. At the end of the day, it’s not just about coffee—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives, and I’m proud to be part of that.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When we first purchased Clairemont Coffee, I had no idea how many regulars the shop had. There are people who come in every single day—some multiple times a day. One of the things I love most about owning a small business is the opportunity to build relationships with these loyal customers. Our team has watched their kids grow, and they’ve watched our children grow from newborns we held while taking orders to the energetic kids running around on Sunday mornings.

These customers know us not just as business owners, but also as moms and, in many cases, as friends. We’ve come to cherish the moments when we’re able to sit at the front table doing paperwork, working on schedules, and chatting with familiar faces who have become a part of our daily lives. We’ve celebrated the excitement of buying a new shop with them and have welcomed their suggestions on how to make the experience even better.

We’re proud to have built a strong sense of community in the space we occupy at Iroquois Plaza. Our reputation has been built on our honesty, our genuine love for the people we serve, the product we sell, and our commitment to being present in our community every day. We don’t just serve coffee—we build connections, share stories, and foster a welcoming space where people feel like they belong. This has naturally built our reputation into something positive and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

We deeply value our team, and we’re aware of how much we rely on them. Maintaining a positive culture and high morale is a top priority for us. As a coffee shop, we do experience some turnover, but we always strive to support and encourage our team in both their careers and personal lives. Happy employees lead to happy customers, which is why we’re committed to creating an environment where our team feels valued and motivated.

We believe in leading by example. Our team will never be asked to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves—whether it’s cleaning the floor drains, organizing the back area, working the acai station, or taking orders, we pitch in right alongside them. We want our team to know that we’re in it together, no matter the task.

We also prioritize regular pulse checks with our team, making sure to ask what they need from us and being clear about our expectations. Open and honest communication has been key to maintaining a positive atmosphere. We also have team leads who set the tone with their positive attitude and strong work ethic. When we’re not available, these leads take charge, and we trust them to guide the team with confidence.

Our team knows how to have fun and share a laugh, but they also understand the importance of working hard, especially during the busy morning rush. We’ve built a culture of respect, support, and collaboration, and we want our team to feel that they’re truly a part of something special. At the end of the day, we want our team to feel happy, supported, and proud of the work they do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sdclairemontcoffee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdclairemontcoffee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-rogers-daugherty-804a8310
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clairemont-coffee-san-diego