Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Thomas.
Hi Josie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband, Dillon, and I both worked as baristas when we first began dating, which is where our passion for coffee began. I worked as a barista all through college and nursing school. I became a nurse and very quickly began missing the world of coffee. After giving birth to our daughter, I dreamt of a schedule that did not include long night shifts, weekends, and holidays away from my baby. So, I decided to take the plunge and start Poema!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thankfully, we have friends from our hometown who started a coffee cart a few years ago and have helped us through the entire process of ours. This has created such a smooth journey as they have shared insight of what they do for their own cart!
I think the hardest thing I have encountered is learning to wear many types of hats as a small business owner, which I would not say I was well equipped for when starting out. For example, I am not a numbers girl, so the accounting side of things is extremely difficult. However, Dillon and I make an incredible team and our strengths really balance the business out. I am someone who looks at the whole picture and thinks through every different direction a situation can play out. This helps me know where to cover our blind spots, keep our inventory stocked, etc; but it also causes me to become overwhelmed easily and not know how to initiate projects. Dillon on the other hand does not enjoy the visionary work, but is a doer. He hears my idea and is the one who knows how to make it happen!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are an events company specializing in bringing craft coffee to life at corporate events, private gatherings, weddings, expos, conferences, and more. While our signature service is catering our espresso bar, we pride ourselves in saying “yes” to our clients’ visions. Our adaptability and creativity help make every event we serve truly memorable. Whether it’s coffee cocktails, custom branding, or a one-of-a-kind menu, we work to perfect every detail and try to do it all for our clients.
Our name exemplifies the heart behind our business. Poema is Latin for “craftsmanship” or “masterpiece”, which reflects our passion for excellence. We source the highest-quality ingredients: our favorite beans from local roaster- Moongoat, ceremonial-grade matcha, house-made syrups, and specialty flavors. Each drink is hand-crafted with care, ensuring not only the best taste but also an experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As we have begun to scale our business and hire staff, I have had to start thinking about the manager side of the job. The biggest inspiration I for me is looking to my past bosses, both good and bad, and taking qualities from them to use in my own practice (or steer away from)!
The boss I looked up to the most was when I worked in the coffee shop throughout nursing school. My manager had really done a good job at being fun to work with and someone I could develop a meaningful relationship with outside of work, while maintaining respect from all her employees. She was extremely intentional in having one-on-ones with her staff and making us feel valued and cared for. I have implemented this practice with my own baristas, along with team dinners and other activities to show them how valued and appreciated they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poema.coffee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poemacoffeeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Poema-Coffee-Co-61571037086009/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@poemacoffeeco
Image Credits
Kaeli Hearn, Sophie Fountain
