What Do You Mean By That?

121: Coffee and Community with Nirvana Soul


Listen Later

Let’s face it: we are an app-based, “easy button” based, instant gratification kind of society. One click of a button and we get something brought to our house: food, alcohol, flowers - basically anything you can ask for. If it’s not instant, you can get it for free shipping and in two days if you’re an Amazon Prime member. But, as we’ve often asked on this podcast, what is the true cost of your purchases when you’re getting them through these apps, and not through your community and local store owners?

Today we talk to one of those businesses - and the women behind it. Nirvana Soul isn’t only about providing amazing coffee to the people of San Jose, California - it’s about creating community through shared spaces, carefully curated art, and so much more. Be’Anka and Jeronica opened their doors during a pandemic, but in so doing they brought community to their own community - and that’s priceless. Our ask for you after you listen: go find one of these spaces in your own community, go support them (and for real - not in a performative way), and then tell all your friends to do the same. We rise by lifting others, and we need each other right now more than ever.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

What to listen for:

  • The journey and process behind opening Nirvana Soul, including the importance of the name
  • What the role of coffee shops is in communities (hint: it’s not just about coffee)
  • What Jeronica and Be’Anka want to share with White women about Nirvana Soul, and supporting local Black-owned businesses
  • The intentionality that they bring into creating community for their staff, and where they see Nirvana Soul going in five and ten years into the future

About Be’Anka and Jeronica:

Jeronica has been in the coffee game for nearly two decades as a barista, manager, and consultant. She knows her sh*t. And Be’Anka is not just a marketer. She’s a methodical, systematic, demand generation marketer who knows a thing or two about successful retail. Their combined experience of coffee and marketing operations is just as much a unique value as their sisterhood itself. Together, they are Nirvana Soul. Using the power of coffee and tea to bring people together.

Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let’s Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women

Support us through Patreon!  Learn about our virtual community – and you’re welcome to join.

Like what you hear?  Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

What Do You Mean By That?By Sara and Misasha

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

140 ratings


More shows like What Do You Mean By That?

View all
This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,618 Listeners

The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,294 Listeners

Snap Judgment by Snap Judgment and PRX

Snap Judgment

11,514 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,367 Listeners

Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

3,667 Listeners

Science Vs by Spotify Studios

Science Vs

12,047 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,513 Listeners

Code Switch by NPR

Code Switch

14,534 Listeners

It's Been a Minute by NPR

It's Been a Minute

8,923 Listeners

Ologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Ologies with Alie Ward

23,662 Listeners

Unladylike by Unladylike Media

Unladylike

3,649 Listeners

Feminist Survival Project by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Feminist Survival Project

363 Listeners

Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

4,361 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,281 Listeners

Culture Study Podcast by Anne Helen Petersen

Culture Study Podcast

649 Listeners