We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonny Kupin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jonny, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As coffee enthusiasts and experienced baristas, Vanessa and I have always had a dream of creating a space that fosters connections and hospitality through coffee. Despite juggling full-time jobs and recently getting married, we made the daring decision six months into our marriage to embark on the journey of establishing our own coffee business. During our high school and college years, the idea of owning a coffee business fascinated us. Simultaneously, we harbored aspirations of eventually owning a coffee shop. However, upon diving into the research, we came to realize the immense challenges associated with launching a shop at first. This realization led us to commence our entrepreneurial journey with a mobile coffee cart.

In taking this risk, we meticulously conducted our research and ventured into the market, despite the uncertainty of its success. The aftermath of our launch exceeded our expectations, as we were met with an overwhelming amount of support and witnessed our business thriving. Our clients who booked us for catering services, were enamored by how we transformed their events into unique and elevated experiences. Our concept encompassed more than just catering; it encapsulated the experience of a speciality coffee shop, tailored to any event or occasion. We recognized the potential to enhance every gathering by serving exceptional coffee while extending warm hospitality.

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

The word “Selah” is a Hebrew term most commonly found in the Book of Psalms. It signifies a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. We believed this word went perfectly with a coffee experience. In all our endeavors, our aim is to inspire individuals to pause and celebrate the gift of life.

To create this pause, we recognized the need for an exceptional product. We collaborate with local roasters based in Denver, who work with some of the finest imported coffees worldwide. Additionally, we continually experiment with various latte recipes and other beverages to offer a unique and unforgettable taste.

Our foundation rests upon values of excellence, community, creativity, and generosity. These principles drive us as we not only provide extraordinary coffee but also help celebrate with people at any occasion.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Right after getting married, we found ourselves stepping into a brand new chapter of life. We were trying to make ends meet with finances. We certainly enjoyed the marriage life, but knew we needed a change in our finances and careers.

But amidst the challenges, we took action, I changed my career in the area of financial consulting which helped me acquire skills for business and meet others in the same sphere . Those dreams we often discussed and imagined started to call out to us more urgently. The thought of our own coffee business had always been there, but it was starting to push us to take the first steps.

So, we made a pivotal choice. We began planning, charting out our path, and putting down our hard-earned savings to invest in this dream. It wasn’t a simple decision – there was uncertainty and risk, but we couldn’t stay content in our current situation any longer. We needed change, and we needed to push ourselves towards it.

Our decision marked a turning point, a shift in trajectory that altered the course of our lives. Beyond just the business, it was about reshaping our reality. The risk we took was a deliberate step towards the future we’d imagined. The journey wasn’t always smooth; there were ups and downs. Yet, our persistence paid off.

Now, we stand as owners of multiple thriving businesses. What started as a pursuit of a coffee dream transformed into something greater. Our story isn’t just about us anymore; it’s a testament to the power of risk and change. Today, we’re not only living the life we envisioned, but also helping others embark on their own journeys of transformation.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Our most successful approach to expanding our client base has been a combination of two fundamental elements. First, we dedicated ourselves to delivering unparalleled service and exceptional quality, ensuring our clients felt genuinely cared for. Second, our marketing strategy hinged on leveraging exceptional content crafted by both our friends and Vanessa. The critical factor lay in strategically placing this content on the platforms frequented by our target audience.

This dual approach bore remarkable results. It not only allowed us to attract new clients but also fostered a sense of loyalty among them. As a result, we’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that consistently seeks our services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://selah.coffee
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selahcoffee.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelahCoffeeCo.cheers
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/selah-coffee-co
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfyraAgn1vLqlQYJcvTPzwA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/selah-coffee-co-denver-2

Image Credits
– Lauren Pippin – Indy Pop Photo – Nick Kupin