Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Lawson.
Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve learned that starting is often the hardest part, even if it’s just something as simple as coffee. Howdy! My name is Natalie Lawson. I am the owner of Lou Beans Coffee Cart! My coffee journey started pretty early. My family has been obsessed with coffee for as long as I can remember. It was mostly my dad who inspired my coffee addiction. When I turned 16, I took that obsession into the work world and began my barista journey! During the winter of 2024, I was in need of a change. My brother got married and at his wedding, he and his wife had a mobile coffee cart for their guests. I came back inspired, and this really triggered my coffee cart adventure. Before you know it, the next summer I was looking at where to begin to start a coffee cart business.
This is when Lou Beans Coffee Cart was born! The name Lou Beans is actually a nickname that my dad calls me. Both my parents have been my biggest advocates, supporters and mentors for this whole process. They are my biggest inspirations. I wanted the name of my cart to represent my values and the love that is poured into every cup. After working in coffee for more than 4 years, it has been a long time coming to start something that is my own. Now, Lou Beans is a mobile cart that travels all over Oregon. I continue to take my knowledge from my barista days and put it into my business, which is why I only serve organic espresso beans and homemade syrups!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The Lord has truly blessed this business venture, but (of course) it still comes with some hiccups – as all business ventures do. I was so scared to take the first step and just start building the business. Since I am only 19 years old, it was so overwhelming learning what I would need to do to start this. My lack of professional business knowledge did hold me back, but I am so grateful for my dad who held my hand every step of the way!
Making coffee and serving customers is the easiest part! It’s all the behind the scenes stuff that nobody tells you about when you start a business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Lou Beans Coffee Cart specializes in bringing caffeine to your events. We serve 100% organic espresso beans and homemade syrups! We have served coffee at birthday parties, local markets, store grand openings, staff events and so much more. Lou Beans is my pride and joy. It makes me so happy that after being a barista for 4+ years, I can share my favorite thing with others. That is the beauty (and the best part) of starting this coffee cart; I get to meet people who I wouldn’t normally meet in everyday life. It is so insane to me that you can connect with someone over a good ol’ cup of joe!!!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you’d like to follow along my journey as a young entrepreneur, follow me on socials! Or get a free quote on my website to have Lou Beans at your next event!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loubeanscoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loubeanscoffeecart/
