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Lori Jones: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

  • Writer: Great Companies
    Great Companies
  • Apr 2
  • 2 min read

Name: Lori Jones

Business Name: Black•ology Coffee Company

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Category: Specialty Coffee & Teas Excellence


Company Detail:

What started as a small, pandemic-born idea has grown into an internationally recognized coffee brand. Lori's ability to scale Black•ology Coffee Company globally through digital innovation has made waves in the coffee industry. Today, Black•ology reaches customers and students in over a dozen countries through its e-commerce store, digital courses, coaching programs, and virtual coffee events. Her name and brand have appeared in online publications, international award features, and top search results for Black woman-owned coffee brands—solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in the global coffee space.


Her story, teachings, and coffee culture education have transcended borders, creating a global footprint without a physical storefront—proof that legacy brands can be built through the power of story, strategy, and digital excellence.


Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:

  • Premium, Low-Acidity Coffee: Carefully selected and roasted for smooth, bold flavor without the harshness.

  • Luxury Minimalist Aesthetic: Clean, modern branding that speaks to sophistication and intentionality.

  • Global Coffee Education & Consulting: Courses, masterclasses, and mentorship for coffee lovers and entrepreneurs worldwide.

  • Black Woman-Owned & Mission-Driven: A brand rooted in cultural representation, purpose, and philanthropy—supporting nonprofits and underserved communities.

  • Signature Blends with Global Flair: Unique recipes inspired by international coffee traditions and flavors.


Black•ology isn’t just a brand—it’s a global invitation to experience coffee with purpose, power, and passion.


Challenges Faced During the Journey:

Black•ology Coffee Company was built on faith and grit. After being laid off during the pandemic, Lori turned a personal setback into an entrepreneurial breakthrough with little capital and no formal blueprint—just vision, resilience, and a deep love for coffee.


Key challenges faced:

  • Bootstrapping From Scratch: Launching and branding the business during a global crisis with minimal resources.

  • Juggling Multiple Roles: Balancing solopreneurship, motherhood, speaking, studying, and coaching.

  • Carving Out Space in a Saturated Market: Breaking into the coffee industry as a Black woman required intentional differentiation through luxury branding and storytelling.

  • Scaling Through Smart Systems: Growing sustainably by leveraging drop-shipping, digital products, and an international e-learning model.


Her journey proves that clarity, consistency, and calling can transform a dream into a legacy.


Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:

  • Own Your Confidence: Build your own table. Speak up, trust yourself, and know your worth.

  • Start Where You Are: Use what you have. Refine along the way.

  • Be Consistent & Disciplined: Discipline builds legacy. Keep showing up.

  • Learn, Pivot, Grow: Stay curious, adapt when needed, and never stop learning.

  • Align Business with Life: Design a brand to support joy, peace, and purpose.

  • Charge What You’re Worth: Price based on value, not fear. Luxury doesn’t explain.

  • Stay Spiritually Grounded: Let God (or the universe) guide. Purpose over profit.

  • Build Meaningful Connections: A network builds a brand. Collaborate and connect.

  • Create Wealth, Not Just Income: Think long-term. Build streams. Own freedom.

  • Just Start & Keep Going: Imperfect action beats inaction. The world needs what only you can offer.




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