We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derrika Foster. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derrika below.
Derrika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Two years ago, I was laid off from my corporate job and found myself desperately searching for employment. During a conversation with a friend, we started discussing my passions outside of work. When my friend mentioned coffee my eyes lit up and the vision for Biddy’s Beans was born. Inspired, I immediately went online to apply for an EIN number and started developing my product and brand… I was so excited. But soon after that, fear set in and I didn’t pursue it any further.
A year later, I found myself in the same place—Unemployed! This time, I knew God was giving me a second chance to pursue something I truly loved. Determined to make it work, I had to figure out how to launch my vision with minimal capital.
I started hosting curated coffee houses at home to test the waters. These events allowed me to do market research and gather honest feedback about my blend before launching it online. By listening to my guests’ feedback, I was able to make the necessary adjustments to perfect my product.
Derrika, 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’m a proud Kentucky native and I make a damn good cup of coffee!
What truly sets me apart is my hands-on approach to the vetting process for each blend. I’m very particular about what I drink, and I only sell coffee I genuinely love and would personally buy.
What I’m most proud of is simply starting and staying consistent—a challenge for anyone, especially those who tend to be their own harshest critics. My journey has taught me the power of taking the first step.
For example, I recently walked into a grocery store and asked how I could get my coffee on their shelves—something I never thought I’d have the courage to do. Sometimes, you just have to start, ask, and believe in what’s possible!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The world often tells us not to rely on others, and for me, past trauma made that lesson stick. I’ve always depended solely on myself and found it difficult to ask for help. But starting a business made it clear—I can’t do this alone. I need people, and I need support.
Admitting that, even to myself, has been a challenge, but I’m working on it every single day. I truly believe God has placed the right people in my life to support me. They’re here to help refine the gifts and purpose He’s already placed within me. Learning to embrace that has been humbling, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Consistency is key—it’s a promise you make to yourself backed by intentional effort. Every morning, before my feet hit the floor, I committed to posting something on my business page. Some days, it was a struggle to find the perfect thing to share, but I realized it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be consistent.
My goal has always been to build an authentic following of people genuinely interested in what I offer. Instead of focusing on the number of followers, I pay attention to audience engagement. Right now my following isn’t massive, but my tribe is a vibe. They’re incredibly supportive and I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.
I truly believe that my consistency is paving the way for growth and connection. Every new follower is joining a community built on authenticity and passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.biddysbeans.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biddysbeans/