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

Hi Sheree, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business was born out of a blend of personal passion, life experiences, and a desire to make a difference. I’ve always been a coffee enthusiast, and my love for supporting small businesses was part of my journey when I ran MeKa Coffee, a coffee cart brand catering to private events. However, the pandemic forced me to pause that chapter and instead, I poured my energy into something even more valuable—creating memories with my daughters, Mena and Kaya.

During this time, I also completed my master’s degree in healthcare, which reignited my ambition to dive back into the coffee industry. But this time, I wanted to do it differently. I reflected on how life as a mom often feels like a non-stop race, and how much I relied on caffeine not just for energy, but for a moment of encouragement to keep going. I realized there was a gap—plenty of products offer a caffeine boost, but few truly speak to the emotional and motivational side of what we face daily.

I was always inspired by my girls and their unwavering support for each other reminded me how powerful encouragement can be. That’s when it clicked: I could create a product that not only energizes but also uplifts. Thus, my ready-to-drink cold brew was born—a coffee crafted for moms, women, and anyone constantly on the go. It’s more than a drink; it’s a message that we’re rooting for you to push through your day.

What excited me most was the unique angle. This wasn’t just another cold brew—it was an experience, a small moment of motivation in a busy world. I envisioned my product not only on store shelves but also as a tool for companies looking to inspire their clients. Offering it wholesale to businesses, especially marketers, became a key part of my plan. They could use it to send a powerful message of encouragement, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it addressed both a functional and emotional need. Coffee lovers want convenience and great taste, but they also crave connection and encouragement. This brand embodies both, and that’s what makes it special.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

What sets my brand apart is its dual mission: providing high-quality coffee, which my recurrent subscribers can really state and while spreading a message of encouragement. I handle everything from product design and canning to marketing and distribution, ensuring every detail reflects the brand’s core values. One unique aspect of Kaya Coffee is our focus on wholesale partnerships with companies like marketing firms. These businesses can use our products as thoughtful gifts for their clients, helping to build positive and motivating relationships.

I’m most proud of the example I’m setting for my daughters. Through this business, they’ve learned the importance of hard work, resilience, and supporting one another. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Kaya Coffee inspires not only our customers but also my girls.

For anyone considering our products, I want them to know that Kaya Coffee is here to fuel both your body and your spirit. We’re not just selling cold brew; we’re delivering a daily dose of encouragement to help you conquer whatever comes your way.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I am not one to gatekeep on how I started and how much capital I started with, I’m here to help anyone out. I’ve always believed that there’s room for everyone.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I primarily sell through my website, which my friend Josh Santos @roninswebgarden is currently revamping. Josh recently went freelance after a long career as a corporate software engineer. I’m here rooting for him!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kayacoffeeco.com
• Instagram: @kayacoffeeco_

Image Credits

@czarinalunaphotography