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

Lexi, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Our name says it all – Two Sisters Coffee Co. is ran by my sister (Lauren) and I (Lexi). We opened our coffee truck in June 2021 and have both been working together full time ever since. Working with family is a huge blessing that we don’t take for granted – we already know each other better than anyone else, which means we know each others strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. However, working with family isn’t always easy. We spend a lot of time together – and I mean a lot. In addition to working 50+ hours a week together, we also live together. We both recognize when the other needs space and we have gotten into a routine where we both know who is doing what and when. One of our favorite parts of working together is when a customer asks “are you really sisters?” People are always shocked that we are actually sisters and that we can actually work together in such a confined space together. We are both so grateful to have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship with one another!

Lexi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Two Sisters Coffee Co. was first thought of in May of 2020. I (Lexi) had just graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Public Relations in Nonprofit Studies. My senior year I was anticipating moving to a city and working at a PR agency. As soon as COVID hit, I was left unemployed and could not find a job anywhere. It was in that moment that I decided now was the time to open a business. I had nothing to lose – my parents were allowing me to continue living at home and I had family and friends full support. Initially I had dreamt of opening a coffee shop, however that wasn’t financially realistic or practical with COVID in full swing. That was when I thought of a coffee truck – it was less overhead, safer, and unique. I convinced my sister, Lauren, who was about to enter her junior year of high school to do it with me. We spent the next year remodeling a 1957 Chevy Bread Van with the help of our dad. Our truck, Stevie, has a personality of her own! We opened our doors to the public June 5, 2021. We work with Broad Porch Coffee Co., a local roaster out of Luray, VA to provide our favorite coffee. They have been amazing to work with and have consistently provided incredible coffee and support. We park at The Ole Country Store in Culpeper, VA five days a week. We love parking there because they have an incredible store with tons of offerings – from ice cream to deli sandwiches and kayaking on the lake beside them. We are most proud of the community we have created and the community we have been welcomed into. There have been thousands of people who have supported us so well (both in person and online) and it has been such a fun experience getting to meet so many different folks. Additionally, we have been welcomed into the community in which we live with open arms. Everyone has supported us so well and we are so grateful for all of the people who have believed in us since day one. Two Sisters aims to provide the best quality coffees and teas – but also the best experience possible. We pride ourselves on our customer service and are looking forward to what Two Sisters has in store.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Since posting consistently on social media, so many doors have opened up for us. We have met people from all over the country that have been in the area and stopped by the truck simply because they found us on TikTok. Social media has been the best source of new customers for us. It is a free tool that we have tried to take advantage of as much as possible. On afternoons that we are slow, we create new content and fun drinks to post about as a marketing strategy for our business. Thankfully it has worked out very well and has grown to be a part of the business that we really love.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is hard work. It takes patience, grit, and confidence. Sometimes when I look back at old TikTok’s we would post, I cringe because I think they are so bad. However, it is so humbling to see how far we have come and how our hard work has paid off. Posting consistently and engaging with folks on social media has helped us gain and maintain an incredible audience. While some days our videos may not get many views, others they will do amazing and will remind you why you are doing what you are doing. Being authentic online is key and people recognize when you are genuine in your content.

Contact Info:

• Website: twosisterscoffeeco.com
• Instagram: twosisterscoffee.co
• Facebook: Two Sisters Coffee Co.

Image Credits
Brady Bates Photography