We recently connected with Annika Van Nest and have shared our conversation below.

Annika , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

This verse from the gospel of Matthew is known as the Great Commission. Here, we are sent to the ends of the earth to make Jesus known. At Prickly Pear Coffee, we exist to do just that.
I believe that my generation needs Jesus and that He meets us where we’re at. He leaves the 99 to chase the one. So, if we are a generation that spends so much time in coffee shops or yoga studios, Jesus will meet us here too! This idea is the ultimate backbone of the mission for The Prickly Pear. We exist to make Him known.

My ultimate dream for The Prickly Pear is a multi-faceted storefront. Combining three of my most favorite things; coffee, yoga, and Jesus! My dream space will offer unique drinks & welcome in the quiet studiers, teach various exercise classes that will challenge the latest trends, and host bible studies that will foster a life-giving community. This business will also be a hybrid non-profit model, meaning that we will be in our city, for our city. I pray that this space is one that anyone and everyone can walk into, and feel loved and seen.

As the three months of the COVID-19 lockdown gnawed at me to do something creative, I somehow stumbled upon the idea of a mobile espresso bar. Upon sharing this with a few people close to me, it was ultimately decided that this could be an amazing brand-building precursor to The Prickly Pear studio that I have been dreaming of. Currently, The Prickly Pear exists as a mobile coffee bar, and mobile yoga studio, that will continue to grow into the dream I have.

The Lord has provided SO MUCH in taking this little dream father than I ever could have imagined! I owe all of this to Him and so grateful for the resources to be able to do something creative to glorify Him. I am blown away by the amount of support and bookings that have come in these first few years. I am so excited to continue to learn and improve as we go and see what else the Lord has in store for this little dream of mine! Thank you for supporting small!

xoxo,

Annika Van Nest

One of my most asked questions is, “How did you come up with that name?”
The prickly pear is what my parents used to call me in my “grouchy” middle school days. They still say I sometimes have “prickly pear” days! ☺

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Prickly Pear Coffee is a mobile espresso bar and yoga studio with the mission of marketplace ministry. Our goal is to combine the truth of the gospel with our passion for coffee and love of yoga. We strive for each person to feel loved and welcomed every time they encounter our delicious, handcrafted coffee drinks or take one of our unique yoga classes. Prickly Pear Coffee can be found in Nashville, Tennessee, as an espresso bar, a yoga class, or doing something ministry-related!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

One of the blessings social media was that in the COVID-19 pandemic, it kept people connected. Social media gave us a space to find social interaction in a time where it was limited! Because Prickly Pear Coffee became a business during the covid quarantine, it felt like our audience on social media was greater as more people turned to these platforms than ever before! As I continued to post about the business on my personal account, as did my friends, word continued to spread and our social media audience grew!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I love this question! As entrepreneurs and leaders, we must always be learning! One book that I vow to read each year is “How I Built This” by Guy Raz. Guy highlights the stories of a variety of entrepreneurs and how they built their successful businesses! These stories highlight the humanity, resilience and perseverance of these amazing leaders, that reminding me that even when I don’t feel like my story is anything special, there are pioneers who have gone before me, failed, pivoted and found success!

Contact Info:

• Website: pricklypearcoffee.com
• Instagram: @pricklypearcoffee
• Facebook: @pricklypearcoffeenash
• Linkedin: annika van nest

Image Credits
Morgan Woodson Photo Morgan Raum Photo