TLC Coffee Bar & Co. brews up success

TLC Coffee Bar & Co. does more than meet market demand for its premium coffee products. It also aims to cultivate a welcoming spot for local connection.

The inspiration behind TLC Coffee Bar & Co. stems from owners Tiffany and Harriet Louis' deep love for coffee and a passion for creating community. "We envisioned a place where people could come together, enjoy exceptional coffee, and experience the richness of our culture," says Tiffany Louis.

Its journey began with a mobile coffee cart, fueled by the desire to bring high-quality, artisanal coffee to diverse neighborhoods, and now includes a brick-and-mortar presence within Grandview Public Market City Food Hall in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"We were propelled by a realization that Black-owned businesses had limited representation in the specialty coffee industry, and we wanted to change that narrative," says Harriet Louis.

National Black Business Month offers a chance to recognize achievement

This time set aside to honor Black businesses is meaningful to the Louises. "It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the business community and serves as a reminder of our roots and the resilience that has driven us to success," says Harriett Louis. "And, it emphasizes the importance of supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses to pave the way for future generations."

That's why they see National Black Business Month as more than a celebration-but also as a commitment to deliver quality, champion diversity and inspire excellence within the community.

"Encouraging local consumers to consciously patronize Black-owned businesses can drive sustainable growth and create a more inclusive economy," adds Tiffany Louis. "Initiatives like National Black Business Month that highlight these businesses can help build awareness and customer loyalty."

Navigating obstacles exposes the need to bridge the gap for Black-owned businesses

Often the journey isn't smooth for Black-owned businesses. Transitioning from a mobile coffee cart to establishing a permanent retail space required significant investment, and as a Black-owned business, negotiating contract agreements was particularly challenging, explains Tiffany Louis.

"We had to be diligent and understand our value proposition to ensure we weren't being taken advantage of or dismissed." They invested in legal and business advisory services to strengthen their negotiating position and focused on leveraging local networks and support systems to secure favorable terms and conditions.

In fact, based on their experience, the Louises identify several fundamental changes that would help advance Black-owned businesses. First, given that many Black entrepreneurs face significant barriers in securing funding to start or grow their businesses, increased access to capital is paramount-such as providing grants, low-interest loans and investment opportunities specifically for Black-owned businesses.

That needs to be accompanied by mentorship and business development programs to offer guidance on overcoming the complexities of running a business, from strategic planning to marketing and financial management.

And, they have seen firsthand how equitable access to prime retail spaces and favorable lease terms can make a significant difference, with many Black-owned businesses struggling to secure locations that are visible and accessible to their target customers. Providing support in negotiating leases and ensuring fair terms can help businesses thrive.

Creative efforts celebrate culture and community connections

TLC Coffee Bar & Co. has found its own way to engage with the community through its signature "Coffee and Vibes," a speakeasy-inspired event that serves as a vibrant platform to showcase Black local artists, authors, musicians and cultural contributors.

It's more than just an event-it's a celebration of culture and creativity, explains Harriett Louis. "By providing a space for local talent to shine, we support artists in gaining exposure and also enrich the cultural fabric of our community. These gatherings promote a sense of unity and pride, allowing attendees to experience and appreciate the diversity and richness of Black art and culture."

In that way, the impact of "Coffee and Vibes" extends beyond the coffee bar by building connections, inspiring future generations and contributing to a thriving local arts scene.

Percolating toward a bright future

Looking ahead, TLC's goals are centered on growth, community engagement and innovation. They aim to broaden their footprint to make their unique blend of quality coffee and community spirit accessible to more people. That includes expanding the mobile coffee cart business into Florida's Broward and Dade counties, as well as supporting the new retail space.

These efforts are accompanied by a continuing commitment to sustainability as they incorporate more eco-friendly practices into the operations, such as sourcing ethically produced coffee, reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness within the community.

And, they look forward to enhancing their community outreach by continuing the "Coffee and Vibes" events to provide even more opportunities for local artists, authors and musicians to showcase their talents. To complement these artistic endeavors, they plan to launch initiatives that support local education and entrepreneurship, particularly among underrepresented groups, by offering mentorship programs, workshops and sponsorships that will inspire and empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.

"Ultimately, we want to continue building a brand that both serves exceptional coffee and also stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and community support," Tiffany Louis says.

"During National Black Business Month, TLC Coffee Bar & Co. would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and the community for your unwavering support," says Harriett Louis. "By choosing to support Black-owned businesses, you are making a meaningful impact on our community by helping create jobs, foster innovation and preserve the rich cultural heritage that defines us."

Valley Bank can help you on your journey to small business success. To find out more, contact us today.

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