Who is Last Mile Cafe?
Some meetings are meant to happen. During a customer panel conversation with Square this past February, I "met" Arick Davis of Last Mile Cafe in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We shared our thoughts about being black business owners and other details with the Square team. I was so fascinated with Last Mile Cafe's story that I immediately visited their crowdfunding page. Check out their video:
What I found so amazing about this small biz was the genuine commitment to the community. They're a black-owned and woman-owned business. They support charitable causes with EVERY purchase. We're talking 10% donated to customer-selected organizations! Stunning! And they're also focused on being sustainable. What is there not to love about this company?
I'm not a coffee drinker, but that small detail didn't stop me from hoping and wishing the Last Mile Cafe team met their crowdfunding goals. As the campaign went on and updates about the goal were sent, I kept hoping and expecting the group would meet the goal. And then it hit me, "I should invite Arick to speak about their crowdfunding campaign on my IG Live." What happened during this Small Biz Bites was nothing short of amazing!
Small Biz Bites with Arick Davis
During this hour with Arick, we discussed giving back to the community, building a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, and why they decided to create a crowdfunding campaign. We also got into a few other topics, which is what I normally do. Click this link to watch our IG chat: Small Biz Bites IG Live with Arick Davis.
Last Mile Cafe did meet its first-tier goal, and the coffee shop opened on December 4, 2022. I have plans to visit once the weather decides to behave. I hear June is a good time to visit, so I look forward to the northern trek.
Shopping with Last Mile Cafe
Until then, feel free to shop their current selection of coffee. I don't know much about coffee, but I trust they will help you if you need it. If you're as excited about watching their journey as I am, you should follow them on Instagram too: @lastmilecafe.
You know June can't get here fast enough! I am excited to enjoy a cup of joe at Last Mile Cafe and meet these great folks in person. And if you're already in the Grand Rapids area, slide by the cafe!
About Gwendolyn Houston-Jack
As a storyteller, I love sharing and celebrating the stories of other small business owners. You can follow my photography business on Instagram at @gphotographybyg. When not interviewing other business owners, I manage my photography studio in Arlington, TX. I specialize in taking the lead on family and individual portrait sessions so that clients relax and enjoy the moment and the memories.
And my support of small business owners continues with my digital marketing agency, HouJack Digital Marketing Solutions. Many black and brown women-owned small business owners struggle with creating a solid marketing plan for their businesses. HouJack Digital Marketing Solutions offers quality digital marketing services to black and brown small women-owned business owners without breaking the bank. We believe in "exhausting the free" and strategically using investment dollars.
Most small business owners also need help navigating entrepreneurship. Our career coaching service delivers timely career growth advice and builds a solid digital presence for the future. With a focus on purpose, passion, and competencies, we're about personal growth, not just job applications.
Again, if you're a small business owner or know of a small business we need to spotlight, please contact G.