We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elizabeth Gomez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth below.
Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My name us Elizabeth Gomez, and I’m the heart behind Beanwood. My journey into this world started with a simple idea shared between -my business partner and me: I wanted to launch something special, Not just any business but something we truly loved. we wanted to build a business that came from the heart. My partner grew up on a coffee plantation in Columbia, so coffee was already in his soul. And me? l’ve always loved to bake, even thought I didn’t have formal training.
So, we decided to learn. We went to coffee school in Portland Oregon, and roasting school in Idaho. From there, we opened our first coffee shop in New Jersey-Beanwood Coffee. I still remember those early days: scouting locations, watching foot traffic at different hours, talking to people in the neighborhood, trying t find the right spot and understand what the community needed.
When we finally opened our doors, it felt like having my first child-full of excitement, nerves, and absolutely no idea what to expect. Over the time, Beanwood stared to take shape. We added breakfast then lunch, and eventually even hosted tapas and paella nights. The business grew little by little, and soon we built a beautiful outdoor patio.
Of course, challenges came, but we faced each one with heart and determination. Then, life took an unexpected turn- I got sick, and we made the hard decision to closed the shop. I later moved to florida, and soon after the pandemic hit.
But that love for baking never left me. So, I found a new way to bring Beanwood back- this time as an online bakery, focusing on my sweets. And once again, I ‘m growing, one customer at a time.
Because no matter what happens, the joy of creating and sharing what i love- that’s what Beanwood is all about.
Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Over the years, I reinvented Beanwood as an online dessert shop focused on small-batch, handcrafted sweets-everything from cakes, and cookies to seasonal treats,
What sets Beanwood apart is that every dessert is made with heart and intention. i don’t just bake- I create experiences, i believe desserts should tell a story, remind you of a happy moment, or make you smile after a long day. My customers often say they can “taste the love” in every bite, and that’s the best compliment I could ever receive.
I’m most proud of the fact that Beanwood continues to grow- one customer, one cookie, one cake at a time. It’s not just about selling desserts; it’s about sharing j0y and connection through something sweet and meaningful.
what I want people to know about Beanwood is simple: every treat is made to bring happiness. Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a little indulgence for yourself, I want every order to feel like it was made just for you.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has definitely been word of mouth. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing someone loved my desserts so much that they told their friends and family about Beanwood. That kind of trust and connection means everything to me.
In addition to word oof mouth social media has played a big role-especily Instagram and Facebook, where I share photos of my cookies, cakes, and seasonal treats. I’ve also seen growth through repeat customers, local community events, and people discovering Beanwood through customer reviews on line.
Everytime someone tags Beanwood,leaves a kind comment, or tells a friend about their favorite dessert, it helps the business grow in the most genuine way possible–one sweet experience at a time.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I love staying connected with my customers- they’re truly the heart of Beanwood. I keep in touch through personal messages and updates, letting them know when their order is being and how excited I am for them to try it. After pickup or delivery,I always follow up to see how they enjoyed their treats and to thank them for their support.
On social media, I share behind the scenes moments, new dessert creations, and seasonal specials. I make it a point to engage with comments, messages, and even repost customer photos- it helps build a real sense of community
What really fosters brand loyalty, though, is consistency and care, Every order,whether big or small, is made with the same love and attention to detail. My customers know they’re not just buying a dessert they’re getting something personal, made to bring joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beanwoodcoffee.com
- Instagram: @beanwoodcoffee
