We recently connected with Bailey Presley and have shared our conversation below.

Bailey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I launched my business at 24 years old, never imagining how quickly it would grow—within just six months, it exceeded all expectations. Prior to that, I completed a 3,000-hour cosmetology apprenticeship in another state, only to learn that my hours wouldn’t transfer to Alabama. That was a tough setback, and I wasn’t ready to start over. Instead, I took a leap and pursued something I had been passionate about for nearly a decade: specialty coffee.

Owning a coffee shop had always been a dream of mine—not just to serve great coffee, but to build a space that fosters community. When we moved to a new and rapidly growing city, I was uncertain about how things would go. We had only been here a few months when my husband encouraged me to take the chance. “You never know until you try,” he said—and he was right.

As two 24-year-olds, getting funding was a real challenge. It was discouraging at times, but someone believed in us and took a chance. Once we secured the loan, we spent months renovating and building everything from the ground up. In October 2024, we officially opened our doors.

Since then, the growth has been incredible. We’re now exploring options for a larger trailer to better serve our growing customer base. Taking that risk was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When you pour your heart into something, work hard, and stay committed to your vision, it truly pays off.

Bailey, 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?

Specialty coffee has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It’s more than just a drink to me—it’s a craft. I’m deeply particular about every detail, from ratios and shot timing to extraction. For me, it’s the one art form where I feel I truly thrive. I’ve never considered myself especially artistic or traditionally creative, but coffee has given me a space to express myself in a way that feels both meaningful and skillful.

One of my favorite parts of running my own business is the creative freedom it offers. I make all of my own syrups, which allows me to experiment and bring something unique to every cup. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone light up over something I made for them.

I’ve worked as a barista in the past, but owning my own business has taken that experience to a whole new level. Being in control of how my business operates and shaping its success on my own terms is incredibly empowering. I’m not interested in following trends for the sake of fitting in—I care about quality, integrity, and building something that reflects who I am.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Customer service is the heart of any successful business, and it’s something I genuinely love. Building real relationships with my customers is a top priority for me. I make it a point to remember their names and their go-to orders—those small details go a long way in making someone feel seen and valued. I know how special it feels when I walk into a coffee shop and the barista remembers me, and I want every person who visits my business to have that same experience.

My goal is to create a space where people feel like they belong—where they know they’re appreciated and cared for. I put intentional effort into every drink I make because I believe my customers deserve the highest quality we can offer. This business isn’t just a job to me; it’s my passion and my way of life.

Even though I don’t focus heavily on marketing or social media—because it’s not my strongest area—I’ve seen firsthand how powerful word-of-mouth can be when you prioritize genuine connections and consistently deliver a great product. At the end of the day, my customers are the ones who shape and sustain my business.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Although our team is small—just me, my husband, and one employee—we’re deeply committed to creating a supportive and respectful work environment. It’s incredibly important to us that our staff earns a living wage and genuinely enjoys coming to work each day. We believe that fostering growth starts with open communication, so we regularly check in to ensure everyone feels heard and supported.

As a business owner, I work right alongside my team. I never want to be the kind of owner who simply delegates from the sidelines. Being hands-on allows me to stay connected to the day-to-day experience and model the kind of work ethic and care I value. Having worked in the food service industry myself, I know how impactful it is to feel respected and appreciated—and that’s the culture I strive to create for my team.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowcoffeecompanyhsv/profilecard/?igsh=bm94bGE5d2M0YWJy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12Mcg53rtAW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Baylee West, @baywestfilms