Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Kobussen

Hi Katie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My journey with coffee started when I was just 15 years old, working at Dunkin’ Donuts in my hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin. It was there that I first fell in love with coffee. I loved making drinks for all my friends in high school and took great pride in my work. By the time I turned 18, I had become a shift lead, which was a significant milestone for me.

After high school, I transitioned to working at local coffee shops in my area, eventually managing them. My passion for coffee then led me to the California Bay Area, where I managed a coffee shop. Seeking new challenges and experiences, I decided to bring my talents to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle. There, I spent two wonderful years as a barista trainer, honing my skills and deepening my love for coffee.

Recently, I moved to Chicago to pursue my passion for coffee on social media, sharing my journey and knowledge with others. I have now landed my dream role working as the Head of Marketing for a local Chicago coffee chain with 14+ locations. Working in a job where social media, building connections, working as a community, and coffee is combined is the greatest gift I could ask for. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It has definitely not been a smooth road. Working in the service industry comes with many long days and tough challenges. There were countless times when I had to start my day as early as 3:30AM and work as late as 11 PM, all while being on my feet all day and editing my videos in-between. It was exhausting and demanding, both physically and mentally.

There were moments when I felt completely lost, unsure of what opportunities would come next. The uncertainty was daunting, but I stayed true to myself and never gave up. I held onto the belief that brighter days were ahead, and that perseverance paid off. Each struggle taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger, ultimately leading me to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’ve always strived to take a unique path in my career. Although I didn’t always know where I was headed, I knew I had the key ingredients for success: resilience, passion, and motivation. I have a knack for spotting trends and understanding what resonates with people. I also excel at connecting with others and building strong communities. With coffee being the number one drink that brings people together, I was destined to be a coffee content creator and digital marketing specialist.

I followed my heart, even when others told me I wasn’t going anywhere and suggested I pursue something more sustainable. I stayed true to my vision, and it truly paid off. I’m most proud of my ability to build connections and create engaging content that brings people together. What sets me apart is my dedication to following my passion and my ability to inspire and unite communities through my work.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

Apps and tools are essential for staying organized and effective in my roles. I use marketing and social media organization apps like Buffer and Monday to keep everything on track. Recently, I hired a social media manager to help me sort through brand deals and opportunities, so I can remain focused on my long-term goals without getting tied down by the constant work of being a content creator. This allows me to focus more on my full-time day job in marketing, which I’m incredibly passionate about.

For my own social media business, I love listening to “The Goal Digger” and “Side Hustle Pro” podcasts. I find women entrepreneurs very inspiring, and they have a lot of great advice to give. It’s also helpful to listen to them and feel validated in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewantscoffee?igsh=MWVqaXd3OG13MDl6bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewantscoffee?_t=8nw78xKJazC&_r=1