Faith & Justin -Smart Owl Coffee
What inspired you to launch your own business?
For years, Justin and I have been putting supplements in our coffee. It started when Justin read a study that demonstrated the synergistic relationship between L-theanine and caffeine and how it enhanced many aspects of cognitive function. Another appeal is theanine counters unwanted side effects of caffeine consumption, namely anxiety, jitters, and crash.
From here, we started adding other supplements to our coffee for various supportive purposes, for example, during flu season, adding L-lysine and zinc. After having children, supplements to help with mood balance. Since gut health is a topic of discussion in our household, we also added supplements, to aid digestion in an after-dinner cup of decaf.
It’s tedious and time-consuming to measure these out and add them to each cup. We learned there were companies selling coffee already infused with theanine, but we wanted something more encompassing.
While brain health is crucial, we were looking for ways to support other systems in our bodies to maximize the opportunity that a daily cup of boosted coffee afforded.
We sat down two years ago and started formulating different proprietary supplement blends. We searched far and wide to find providers for high-quality ingredients and ethically sourced USDA organic coffee then things eventually fell into place.
About what are you most passionate?
Our family is the most consuming part of our focus right now. Spending time watching the kids grow and interact is the coolest, so we’re soaking it up while we can.
Otherwise, Justin and I have always loved writing music. Enough so that our dining room is a makeshift recording studio. Justin and I met about 25 years ago when he played guitar in one of my favorite Springfield bands. Years later, we formed our band and subsequently dated and so on. Many of the songs we use in our coffee videos are snippets from songs we’ve written over the years.
It’s probably relevant to mention that Justin is passionate (ahem, obsessive) about vitamin supplements and healthy living. I’ve acquired an appreciation.
How do you start your day?
Well, with coffee, of course. School day routines require a lot more hustle. On the weekends, we try to slow it down and lounge through the morning.
Favorite local business to shop at:
Picking one is difficult since they each offer such unique items. Interurban Merchant is a great coffee shop, and they have unique gifts and thrift things. We love taking the kids to The Salted Lemon for ice cream and other goodies. We love to brunch at Bunn Gourmet and let the kids pick out special treats. Apple Barn is our favorite plant nursery and place to grab pumpkins, cider slushies, and tons of other great locally sourced items. Country Market is fantastic - easy to pop in and get an everything-you-need grocery store. It’s impossible to limit to one or two.
What do you deem as success in business?
As long as you set out with good intentions, operate in a way you feel good about, and bring a product or service to the table that people are interested in supporting.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners?
Put your heart into it.
You can find out more about Smart Owl Coffee on their website.