7 Women-Owned Coffee Shops: Stories of Excellence, Resilience, and Impact

This Women’s History Month, we honor all of the remarkable female entrepreneurs who own and operate coffee businesses built on coffee excellence and a commitment to sustainability.

Introduction: The Changing Face of Coffee

For generations, the coffee industry has been a male-led business. From production to roasting to retail, men have historically held the majority of leadership positions. Yet quietly, persistently, and with unmistakable impact, women have been reshaping the landscape of specialty coffee, building thriving businesses, mentoring teams, and advancing their communities.

This Women’s History Month, Cafe Campesino celebrates seven remarkable women-owned coffee businesses that represent far more than commercial success. They embody vision, resilience, and a commitment to the values that drive our own mission: fair trade, high quality, sustainability. and community impact.

The Gender Gap in Coffee: By the Numbers

The coffee industry still faces significant gender inequity, with only 20 to 30% of coffee farms worldwide operated by women. At the retail and café level, the picture is shifting—the percentage of women-owned coffee shops has increased by 12% in the last five years, highlighting a rising trend in female entrepreneurship, yet challenges remain.

According to McKinsey research spanning a decade, companies with the greatest proportion of women on executive committees earned a 47% higher rate of return on equity than those with no women holding executive roles. Despite this evidence, structural barriers persist. Women entrepreneurs often face discrimination in banking, real estate, and supplier relationships—challenges that the women we celebrate today have navigated with determination and grace.

Seven Women, Seven Stories of Impact

Lisa Tubbs: Compassion Coffee and Tea

Compassion Coffee and Tea in Eatonton, GA embodies its name through the leadership of Lisa Tubbs, a visionary who has built spaces where quality and inclusion coexist.

“While this industry has traditionally been male-dominated, I’ve always chosen to see it as quality-dominated. When you focus on excellence, service, and consistency, that’s what truly sets you apart. I’ve been blessed to create environments that honor and include everyone—spaces where people feel seen, valued, and welcomed—and that’s where real impact begins.”

This perspective—reframing the industry’s male dominance not as an immovable feature but as a competitive opportunity—reflects a sophisticated understanding of market dynamics. By centering excellence, Tubbs has built a business where gender becomes irrelevant to success, and her commitment to inclusive spaces resonates deeply in the community she serves.

Kristen Russel: Sentient Bean

Savannah, Georgia’s Sentient Bean is a testament to the staying power of one woman’s vision. Kristen Russel opened her doors in the early 2000s, when the landscape for female entrepreneurs was significantly more challenging.

“Having grown up in an isolated rural farming community in a household with 2 female children, I thankfully was raised to believe I could do most things as well or better than men. That said, it was a real shock when I began the work of opening a business in early 2000 and faced so much discrimination—in the rental market, in banking, with distributors. Thankfully there was always someone who could look past gender (and age) and work with us. I’m forever grateful to those folks.”

Russel’s experience is shared by countless female entrepreneurs who faced real, documented discrimination in foundational business dealings. Yet her resilience—and the willingness of others to see beyond gender—created a thriving business that has operated for 25 years and that has been one of our foundational partners.

Beyond personal success, Russel brings a distinctive perspective to team building:

“I think one of the things at which women are likely to excel is staff management. Our nurturing tendencies are useful to develop and grow organizations with better communication and more trust—contributing to longevity and stability over the long run.”

This insight suggests that women’s leadership styles—often characterized by collaborative rather than hierarchical approaches—may be better suited to building sustainable, loyal teams. In an industry facing high turnover, that advantage is significant.

Daysha Mayfield: Sweet Living Bakery

Sweet Living Bakery in Marietta, Georgia, led by Daysha Mayfield, brings a sobering but essential voice to discussions of women in entrepreneurship.

“I gave it some thought. Honestly, I do believe we are seeing movement in our industry for women entrepreneurship. I believe there is a need for more growth and support. Woman or man it is hard!”

Mayfield doesn’t shy from the structural realities: access to capital, mentorship, and information remain unequally distributed. She articulates a critical call for change:

“In order to grow, men would need to see us as their equals and share the wealth of information on their partners, history, successes, failures, strategies that are not traditionally readily available. This would give women the chance to begin on an equal playing field. Lastly, there are grants and financial support that are oftentimes not easy to find or navigate without the proper guidance.”

Mayfield’s perspective points to systemic gaps that individual excellence cannot fully overcome—gaps that require industry-wide commitment to change.

Gloria Overholt: The Beverage Barn

Gloria Overholt’s story embodies the power of vision and partnership. She and her sister opened The Beverage Barn in Montezuma, Georgia in October 2025, a coffee trailer that grew from a casual “what if?” into a thriving family business.

“We didn’t set out to be business owners. It started with a silly, ‘that would be fun’ conversation one afternoon in my sister’s kitchen. Within days, this trailer came up for sale on marketplace, and we were like, ‘Oh, maybe we could do this.’ Time after time, God opened doors for us and what started as a silly dream quickly turned into reality. With a lot of hard work and support from our husbands and children, The Beverage Barn opened in October 2025.”

What stands out about Overholt’s account is the combination of spontaneity and determination, her willingness to act on opportunity while acknowledging the support systems that made it possible. She concludes with advice that resonates far beyond coffee:

“Our advice to others pursuing a dream is to start where you are and just do the next thing. You don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the next step.”

The idea—that progress emerges from taking the next available action— demystifies entrepreneurship and offers hope to others considering business ownership.

Nikki Bryant: Adams Family Pharmacy

Adams Family Pharmacy in Cuthbert, Georgia, owned by Nikki Bryant, represents yet another model of female-led business. While not exclusively a coffee retailer, the pharmacy’s integration of quality beverages reflects the broader ecosystem where women are succeeding.

“Some say I am harder on my daughter than my son. Maybe I am. As a business owner, I have experienced a world not established for me. I want her to be equipped with the grit and determination it takes to command a room knowing everyone in it puts their pants on the same as her, one leg at a time.”

Bryant’s approach to parenting and mentorship reflects a clear-eyed understanding of the landscape. She’s preparing the next generation not by pretending barriers don’t exist, but by building the resilience to navigate them. This stance—neither dismissive of challenges nor defeated by them—characterizes many successful female entrepreneurs.

Christy Deen: Drip Thru Coffee

Drip Thru Coffee‘s two locations in Stockbridge and College Park, GA, led by Christy Deen, stands as a 10-year testament to female leadership in specialty coffee. Dean’s perspective bridges personal pride and broader industry observation.

“I take immense pride in being a woman business owner, and I am dedicated to amplifying the significant impact that women make in the business world, with a particular focus on the coffee industry. I understand that this field can be highly competitive, and throughout my journey, I’ve consistently felt the need to demonstrate my capabilities and worth.”

Deen’s acknowledgment of the need to “prove herself” reflects the additional burden of proof many women experience in leadership. Yet she’s transformed that challenge into mission-driven work:

“Given the substantial male presence in our industry, being a female shop owner truly sets me apart. I am exceptionally proud of the strides I’ve made in reshaping the demographics within this historically male-dominated sector. As Drip-Thru Coffee celebrates its 10th year, I am encouraged by the growing number of women I see participating in industry events, such as SCA and Coffeefest, which signifies a positive and evolving landscape.”

Deen’s observation of increased female participation in industry conferences and events is crucial: visibility breeds opportunity, and opportunity breeds change.

Heather Maloney: Brick & Mortar

Brick & Mortar, a community-loved cafe in Columbus, GA owned by Heather Maloney, offers a refreshing perspective: that the coffee industry’s defining characteristic may not be its male dominance, but rather its collaborative spirit.

“I’ve had an exceptional experience. I feel like coffee people want coffee people to succeed. Many male business owners have showed me how to navigate the industry and the local cafes have all been very supportive.”

Maloney’s experience reflects a shift in industry culture—one where established leaders actively mentor emerging entrepreneurs regardless of gender. She’s candid about earlier challenges but emphasizes the broader ecosystem that now surrounds her:

“Columbus has TONS of female business owners and the support is strong. My story is less about female in a male dominated industry and more about community and collaboration within the industry that helps all of us do well. The coffee industry seems more collaborative than competitive.”

This observation is significant: while structural inequities remain industry-wide, pockets of genuine collaboration are emerging. Maloney credits local networks—women in business groups, young professional associations, and peer mentorship—with creating an environment where success is shared rather than hoarded. Her real challenges—competing with corporate chains, rising rent and food costs, and post-pandemic staffing shortages—are obstacles that affect all coffee business owners, regardless of gender.

Maloney’s gratitude for the mentorship she received reflects a critical insight: when established business owners commit to transparent knowledge-sharing, entire ecosystems improve.

What These Stories Tell Us

Excellence Is Gender-Neutral

A thread connecting all seven women is their unwavering focus on quality. From Lisa Tubbs’s emphasis on “excellence, service, and consistency” to Christy Dean’s decade-long commitment to the specialty coffee industry, these entrepreneurs succeed not because they’re women, but because they’re excellent. The irony—and indictment—is that this basic truth remains noteworthy.

Resilience Isn’t Optional

Whether facing discrimination in banking and rental markets (Kristen Russel) or navigating a male-dominated industry (Christy Dean), these women demonstrate that resilience isn’t a trait—it’s a requirement. More importantly, their success shows that women who are willing to persist can build thriving businesses despite structural disadvantages.

Leadership Approaches Matter

Several of these women emphasize collaborative, inclusive, nurturing leadership styles. Kristen Russel’s observation about women’s capacity for building trust within organizations, and Lisa Tubbs’s commitment to spaces where “people feel seen, valued, and welcomed,” suggest that women’s leadership approaches may offer competitive advantages—particularly in industries reliant on customer loyalty and employee retention.

Systemic Change Requires Support

Daysha Mayfield’s analysis is sobering but essential: individual excellence alone cannot overcome gaps in access to capital, mentorship, and information. The coffee industry—like most sectors—must actively work to level the playing field through grants, mentorship programs, and transparent knowledge-sharing.

Progress Is Visible

Christy Dean’s observation about increasing female participation in industry conferences like SCA and Coffeefest is heartening. Women leaders like Trish Rothgeb, Sonja Grant, and Rachel Peterson have helped shape the third wave coffee movement and specialty coffee culture that defines today’s industry, with organizations and brands continuing to support female participation at all levels. Momentum is building.

Supporting Women in Coffee: What Comes Next

At Cafe Campesino, we’re honored to partner with these women-led businesses. They represent not only commercial success but also alignment with our values: commitment to fair trade, quality sourcing, and community impact. Supporting women-owned coffee businesses—and continuing to elevate women’s voices throughout the supply chain, from farmers to retailers—strengthens the entire industry.

How You Can Support Women in Coffee

Seek out women-owned coffee businesses. Whether it’s purchasing from Sentient Bean, Drip Thru Coffee, Compassion Coffee and Tea, or Sweet Living Bakery, intentional support amplifies visibility and economic impact.
Advocate for transparent, equitable practices. Support industry organizations working on gender equity in coffee, from production to retail. Organizations like the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), Café Femenino, and Grounds for Health have created networks, funding opportunities, and advocacy platforms that enable female participation at all levels.
Share knowledge. As Daysha Mayfield emphasized, information inequality is a real barrier. If you work in coffee – whether in distribution, banking, or business development – commit to transparent knowledge-sharing with emerging female entrepreneurs.
Choose fair-trade and ethically sourced coffee. By supporting women-owned businesses like those featured here, you’re supporting not only women entrepreneurs but also the women farmers and workers throughout the supply chain.

The Broader Picture: Women in Coffee Production

While we celebrate women-owned coffee retailers, it’s essential to remember that women account for a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in coffee-producing countries, with women in some regions of Africa and Latin America comprising up to 70-80% of the labour force in coffee farming. Yet their contributions often remain invisible in official statistics and supply chain narratives.

Cafe Campesino’s commitment to producer relationships – including our partnerships with women-led cooperatives like Las Diosas, Asociación Chajulense, and CAC Pangoa – reflects our belief that equity must run through the entire supply chain. When women in production are recognized, fairly compensated, and included in decision-making, the entire coffee community benefits.

Learn More About Our Women Partners

Interested in connecting with these inspiring women-owned coffee businesses? Visit their sites and experience the quality, care, and vision that drives their work:

Compassion Coffee and Tea — Led by Lisa Tubbs, creating inclusive spaces where excellence thrives.
Sentient Bean — 25 years of Kristen Russel’s vision for quality, community, and trust-based leadership.
Sweet Living Bakery — Daysha Mayfield’s commitment to quality baking and thoughtful sourcing.
The Beverage Barn — Gloria Overholt’s family coffee business, proving that big dreams start with a single step.
Adams Family Pharmacy — Nikki Bryant’s multi-generational vision for business and legacy.
Drip Thru Coffee — Christy Deen’s 10-year commitment to reshaping the demographics of specialty coffee.
Brick & Mortar — Heather Maloney’s collaborative approach to building community in the coffee industry.

The Road Ahead

These seven women are not anomalies. They represent a broader shift happening across the coffee industry. One where excellence, resilience, and vision are recognized regardless of gender. Yet work remains. At the current rate of change, it will take over 123 years to reach full gender parity across the global economy. That timeline is unacceptable.

We celebrate all of the women-owned businesses that we proudly partner with. We appreciate their courage, their innovation, and their commitment to building businesses that matter. And we commit to doing our part – through partnership, transparent sourcing, and unwavering support for women at every level of the coffee supply chain.

Because when women thrive in coffee, we all benefit.

Sources & Citations

Perfect Daily Grind (2025). “Women are leading the growth of emerging specialty coffee markets.” Accessed from perfectdailygrind.com
WifiTalents (2025). “Cafe Industry Statistics: Reports 2025.” Retrieved from wifitalents.com
Well Roasted Coffee (2024). “Women in the Coffee Industry.” Retrieved from wellroastedcoffee.com
Verena Street (2026). “Coffee Consumption Statistics 2026 – Global & U.S. Data.” Retrieved from verenastreet.com
International Coffee Organisation (2018). Gender equality in the coffee sector. ICO Report.
Specialty Coffee Association (2025). 2024 National Coffee Data Trends Specialty Coffee Breakout Report.