My Almost-Villain Origin Story

tl;dr/ I'm a coffee nerd, I really like making coffee and building cool things. I want you to buy good coffee and join me while I build a business differently. So we can all be a little more...free and do more good. 

Once upon a time…

In a world where specialty coffee was often treated like an exclusive club—full of intimidating jargon, gatekeeping, and barriers to entry—there lived a young woman (me!) who believed coffee should be so much more. I didn’t want coffee to be an artifact sitting on a high shelf; I wanted it to be a daily comfort, a shared joy, and a bridge to connection. This is the story of how I found my way into the specialty coffee industry and built a small but intentional corner of it that I call Sleepy Mango Coffee Company.

I didn’t set out to become a coffee roaster or a business owner. Coffee started as a part-time job during a busy chapter of my life, one that allowed me to make ends meet while pursuing other interests. What began as a practical choice turned into something magical—a tactile craft that brought me and the people I made drinks for so much joy. The more I worked in coffee, the more I realized it felt like an industry I could work in for the rest of my life...one that I could be so, so passionate (aka nerdy 🤓) about.

The Magic of Specialty Coffee

Over time, making coffee became a ritual that combined skill, creativity, and sensory delight. What I loved most was the care and intention that went into making someone’s drink. From dialing in espresso to frothing milk just right, every step felt like an act of thoughtfulness. Seeing our team behind the bar have great moments with customers made every effort worthwhile. I’ll always be grateful to the people who taught me these small but meaningful skills—they showed me how much impact a single cup of coffee can have.

Expanding the coffee industry 

While specialty coffee is full of creativity and innovation, it’s also a space that often feels exclusive. High costs for equipment, limited access to training, and a lack of representation create barriers for many who want to be part of it. This exclusivity is especially felt by those who don’t fit the mold of the "typical" coffee professional. The goal here is to create a space that values inclusion, access, and transparency over gatekeeping.

The Heart of Sleepy Mango

Sleepy Mango Coffee Company was born with the belief that there has to be room for more in this industry...more inclusion, more accessibility, more transparency, more accountability etc. Every step in its growth, from roasting in shared spaces to offering high-quality specialty coffee, has been guided by those beliefs.

The coffee industry also has its bright spots, with people working hard to uplift others, especially womxn roasters. Thanks to the validation and encouragement of others, Sleepy Mango was able to take its leap into the world of coffee roasting.

We’re inspired by so many incredible people in the coffee world—mentors, advocates, and friends who remind us why this work matters. A few of our favorites include: 

• The Chocolate Barista 
  
• Kaveri Coffee 
• Mother Tongue Coffee
• UMESHISHO_ on IG 
• Tranbrown Coffee  
• Glitter Cat ( no longer active but forever in our hearts) 
• Little Waves Coffee Roasters 
• Parable Coffee  (goals) 
• CuteCoffee

Sleepy Mango's Future

What started with small beginnings and intentional growth has blossomed into a mission grounded in the belief that specialty coffee can bring people together in powerful ways. Looking ahead, the story of Sleepy Mango Coffee continues to unfold with a focus on intentional growth and meaningful contributions to the specialty coffee industry. Here's how we're hoping to grow in the coming years:

• Expanding Shared Roasting Space
• Establishing Co-Op Cafes focused on Zero Waste  
• Building Direct Trade Relationships
• Promoting Coffee Education

Sleepy Mango is committed to building a sustainable company in every sense: with our purpose, with our people, with our prosperity, and with our environment. It’s about creating something that feels authentic and meaningful. 

 No evil plans—just great coffee (okay, maybe some evil plans... but more on that later)

Ready to see what that looks like in a cup? Check out our latest roasts here or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and updates!