In honor of International Women's Day, we, the leadership team at Coffee Beanery, wanted to share our stories and journeys that have led us to where we are today. Our team comprises three members, including Joanne Shaw, the founder and CEO, Julia Shaw, and Brittan Butcher, our Director of E-commerce. Joanne Shaw, the visionary behind Coffee Beanery, began her entrepreneurial journey in 1969 when she established Today's Show Services, an office coffee service company. Recognizing the need for a specialty coffee store where people could savor real and high-quality coffee, she opened the first Coffee Beanery store in 1975. Back then, most coffee was freeze-dried and lacked flavor, and Joanne aimed to change that. Over the next nine years, Joanne and her team expanded the Coffee Beanery brand, opening a total of eight corporate stores by 1985. That year marked the beginning of Coffee Beanery's franchising journey, which has since seen significant growth, including a thriving web-based business. One of Joanne's remarkable achievements was becoming the first woman Chairperson of the International Franchise Association (IFA) in the year 2000. Her trailblazing role paved the way for more women to take leadership positions in the franchise industry. Her advice to never limit oneself, be willing to learn, and have the determination to succeed has been instrumental in her journey. Laurie Shaw, Joanne's daughter-in-law, brought her unique perspective to the leadership team. Despite not having a Harvard business degree, Laurie's leadership style emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving. She transitioned from a teaching degree to taking over various roles within the company, ultimately becoming the CEO. Britain Butcher, also part of the Shaw family, joined the team after college. She pursued a degree in marketing, international business, and graphic design. Britain started by working in Coffee Beanery stores and then joined as an intern. Her dedication and willingness to learn led her to her current role as Director of E-commerce, despite having no prior experience in that field. What sets Coffee Beanery apart is the willingness to embrace unconventional paths to success. Joanne and Laurie's mentorship approach focuses on encouraging team members to step out of their comfort zones and develop new skills. This includes taking Dale Carnegie courses, a life-changing experience that helps individuals become more confident public speakers and communicators. Their shared belief in building a strong team and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration has led Coffee Beanery to great heights. They understand the importance of self-awareness, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses, and being open to seeking expertise where needed. Today, Coffee Beanery continues to thrive under the leadership of Joanne, Laurie, and Britain, exemplifying the spirit of Women in Business. Their message to women everywhere is clear: never limit yourself, be open to learning, and support and mentor each other. They believe that success is not limited, and together, we can achieve great things. On this International Women's Day, Coffee Beanery celebrates the remarkable journeys of these women in leadership and the invaluable lessons they have shared. Their commitment to empowering women in business has left an indelible mark on the world of franchising and entrepreneurship.