We recently connected with Zakiya Moss and have shared our conversation below.
Zakiya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.
The journey of scaling up Drip Queen Coffee has been both challenging and rewarding. We started in a small home office, focusing on gathering the necessary intellectual property to avoid dealing with issues like trademark hijacking threats. Ensuring our brand was legally protected was a priority, and having a good business lawyer was crucial during these early stages. Initially, we began selling at the 16th Street Marketplace in Denver with just bags of coffee and a tent. This grassroots approach was essential as it allowed us to connect directly with customers and gather invaluable feedback, helping us refine our offerings and build a loyal customer base. As we grew, we realized the importance of proper product identification and inventory management. This led us to implement UPCs for all our products, which streamlined our operations and prepared us for more extensive scale distribution.
Marketing played a pivotal role in our expansion, with heavy investments in social media marketing to find and engage our target audience. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allowed us to showcase our products and tell our story, creating a connection with coffee lovers everywhere. Our content wasn’t just about the coffee; it was about the experience, the lifestyle, and the community around Drip Queen Coffee. One of the significant challenges we faced was the unpredictability of the retail environment. For instance, our location in the mall presented unique obstacles, like escalators not working, resulting in zero sales days. These moments have taught us the importance of thinking outside the norm, leading us to host events and pop-ups and even create a mental health safe space within our store, recognizing the community’s need for such spaces.
Scaling up also meant diversifying our product line and introducing new flavors and products based on customer feedback and market trends. For example, we introduced our dessert-flavored cold-brew coffee because our customer base wanted to enjoy the coffee cold, on the go, and with a dairy/lactose-free option. So we brought it in and offered it as a subscription service to everyone internationally. Additionally, facing months with no online sales forced us to rethink our online strategy, optimize our website for a better user experience, and enhance our online marketing efforts. These adjustments eventually paid off, significantly increasing our online sales. Overall, the journey has been about listening, adapting, and continually striving to improve, ensuring that Drip Queen Coffee remains a beloved brand in the community.
Zakiya, 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?
My journey into the coffee industry began out of a genuine love for the beverage of choice that keeps our medical, military, emergency workers, and others going during a hard shift. There was also the desire to create a unique, memorable experience where coffee or tea lovers can enjoy a space for a mental break. When I started Drip Queen Coffee, it was fueled by a passion for quality and innovation in coffee. The idea was to offer more than just a cup of coffee – it was about delivering an experience that people could cherish and look forward to each day.
Our product line initially consisted of carefully selected coffee beans, which we sold at local markets. Over time, we expanded to offer diverse products, including our signature cold brews, various teas, and high-quality coffee-making equipment. What sets Drip Queen Coffee apart is our commitment to quality and our focus on community. We listen closely to our customers’ feedback and continuously innovate to meet their needs and preferences.
One of the key problems we solve for our clients is providing a high-quality, consistent coffee experience that they can rely on. Whether it’s a quick cold brew on a hot day or a meticulously brewed cup of our Blooming Teas, we aim to make every sip special. Our customers can count on us for products that taste great and are ethically sourced and produced with care.
I’m particularly proud of our community around Drip Queen Coffee. Our customers aren’t just buyers; they’re part of the Drip Queen family. We create spaces where people can connect, relax, and enjoy their coffee, whether at our store, at events, or through our online presence. This sense of community is something we cherish and continually strive to enhance.
We also address the need for a safe space for mental health. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, we have created an environment where people can unwind and take a break from their busy lives. This initiative has resonated deeply with our community, providing a sanctuary for many.
Our marketing approach is another aspect that sets us apart. We leverage social media to engage with our audience, share our story, and highlight our products. This direct connection with our customers helps us understand their preferences and deliver what they genuinely want. We’ve continuously adapted our strategies to maintain a solid and loyal customer base.
One of the most significant achievements I’m proud of is our recognition voted as the 2024 Colorado Springs “Best of the Springs” winner for Best Restaurant for a First Date hosted by the Colorado Springs Gazette. This award reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for our customers, making Drip Queen Coffee a preferred destination for memorable experiences.
The main message that Drip Queen Coffee wants our potential clients, followers, and fans, is that “Drip Queen Coffee is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a community-driven brand that values quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We are dedicated to making every cup of coffee a delightful experience and every visit to our store pleasant”, Zakiya. We continually strive to bring you the best products and the warmest service, ensuring that Drip Queen Coffee is your go-to place for coffee and connection.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Funding Drip Queen Coffee was a dedication, sacrifice, and challenging work journey. We started without grants or loans, relying solely on our savings and investments from supportive family members. The decision to use our savings was not taken lightly, as it required careful planning and a firm belief in our vision. Every penny we had saved was funneled into the business, which meant tightening our belts and living frantically for a significant period. Family members that believed in our dream contributed what they could, providing a crucial financial cushion that helped us get off the ground and keep us going.
“The process was grueling and involved many long hours and sleepless nights. We shed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, often working around the clock to ensure every detail was perfect. Sometimes, we had to make tough choices, such as skipping personal luxuries and cutting unnecessary expenses to keep the business afloat. It was expected to go days without a steady income, which forced us into a juggling act of “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” We had to be incredibly resourceful, finding ways to stretch every dollar and maximize the impact of every investment we made” states Zakiya Moss.
Through all the sacrifices, hard work, and financial juggling, we created a solid foundation for Drip Queen Coffee. This period has taught us the true meaning of perseverance and the importance of having a solid support system. Our journey was not just about building a business but also about building resilience and learning to overcome obstacles with limited resources. The experience of funding our business from our savings and family investments has made our success even more meaningful, knowing that it was built from the ground up with sheer determination and an unwavering belief in our vision.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that genuinely illustrates our resilience involves our first retail store location at the back of a shopping mall. Initially, this spot was selected for its easy access, which is perfect for customers wanting a quick drink or shopping for our latest products. It seemed like the ideal location until most ways to access our store became broken, inoperable, or inconvenient for our customers. The escalators were out of order for months, severely impacting foot traffic and our sales.
Faced with this challenge, we had to make a difficult decision. Our pivot involved moving from a 900-square-foot location to a 1,700-square-foot space toward the front of the mall, which provided direct access for our customers. The move was costly and required significant effort, as we did eighty percent of the work ourselves. It was a gamble, but we believed in our vision and were determined to make it work despite the financial strain and the physical labor of relocating.
Ultimately, this move turned out to be a pivotal decision for Drip Queen Coffee. The new location not only solved the accessibility issues but also allowed us to expand our offerings. The increased space enabled us to create an event area that could be utilized as a multi-use location, aligning perfectly with our vision of fostering community and providing a welcoming environment. “This experience underscored our resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles, reinforcing the belief that with hard work and determination”, we could turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dripqueencoffee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dripqueencoffee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dripqueencoffee
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/drip-queen-coffee-colorado-springs
- Other: https://linktr.ee/DripQueenCoffee
