Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Guyton.

Hi Wanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Entrepreneur Wanda “The CoffeeLady” Guyton, is a native of Maywood, IL. Wanda graduated from Proviso East H.S. (Maywood, IL), and then in 2002 received her B.S. (Magnum Cum Laude) degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry Institute of Technology in Alpharetta, GA. Professionally, Wanda has over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, customer service and application development. As an Information Technology (IT) Consultant, she has helped multiple hospitals across the U.S. implement learning management, time and attendance and electronic medical record systems.

Wanda migrated to Rehoboth Beach, DE in 2015 to work as a Database Administrator for Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Beach, DE. She fell in love with Sussex County and everything coastal life offered. Wanda’s love for coffee started at the age of five, and as the story goes, she used to steal sips of coffee from her mother’s cup. During the 2020 Pandemic, Wanda decided to act on her passion for coffee and combined her love of the Delaware coast to create Coffee Rendezbrew (www.coffeerendezbrew.com).

Coffee Rendezbrew is known for its specialty coffee, loose-leaf teas, and gourmet sugar. Coffee Rendezbrew is a Trademarked brand and products consist of twenty-one different coffees (six are specialty roasts known as ‘beach brews’), sixteen gourmet sugars and twelve loose-leaf teas. All coffees have unique flavors, and are paired with gourmet sugars, especially crafted for our coffees.

Four of the specialty coffees focus on a Sussex County Delaware theme – Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes Beach and Rehoboth Beach; and two additional beach brews are Cape May (NJ) and Beaches Brew (a single origin, non-flavored coffee). We are in the process of creating coffee profiles for other Delaware cities to represent the three Delaware counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex).

Our biggest sellers are our beach brews and are a favorite among locals and tourists because of the Delaware customized packaging and unique individual flavors. Our biggest seller from our single origin line is our Kenyan coffee – The Darker The Berry. Coffee Rendezbrew is sold at our store in Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Beach, DE, in person at local events, local grocery stores, and online through our website (www.coffeerendezbrew.com) and on Amazon.

Coffee Rendezbrew’s mission is to sell freshly roasted coffee; to use the products and services to support the greater good of community; and to maintain the traditions of coffee that keep people, culture, and community working together.

Coffee Rendezbrew offers sponsorships to local organizations and donates 20% of the specialty coffee line (beach brews) purchases to Delaware’s statewide non-profit reading organization, Read Aloud Delaware (www.readaloudde.org).
 

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 definitely has not been a smooth road. There were lots of obstacles breaking into an industry where black people in general, and black women in particular are not taken seriously. The coffee industry has it’s own share of challenges that affect production, distribution, and consumption. Economic Instability, environmental concerns, supply chain complexities and shifts in consumer preferences are among many of the challenges.

With dedication and the ability to lean on my previous professional experience in IT, I was able to overcome many obstacles. Since the beginning, I bootstrapped this entire endeavor, never taking out any loans, or getting financial assistance of any kind. My determination helped me make the necessary sacrifices to overcome many struggles along the way.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

Wanda is dedicated to uplifting and collaborating with other small businesses. Her heart for community and reading is incorporated in her business practice by giving back to other non-profit organizations through the sell of her coffee.

Pricing:

• *Signature Coffees – $15.95
• *Single Origin Coffees – $15.95
• *Beach Brew Coffees – $18.95
• *Loose-leaf Teas – $8.95
• *Gourmet Sugars – $4.95

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coffeerendezbrew.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeerendezbrew/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeerendezbrew/
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/coffeerendezbrew/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTvcGUgTpW5eH2aPe7JkR8A