Hidden Gems: Meet Melissa Green of Grounds4Cause

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Green.

Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Melissa Green. I am the Founder & CEO of Grounds4Cause. We take pride in providing delicious coffee and being a coffee company that gives back to the LGBTQ+ and Military Family communities. As a USN Veteran and Military Spouse, I understand the importance of #community and #connection. Something as simple as sharing a cup of coffee can bring people together and create an opportunity for empathy and understanding. In January 2021, Southern, Sweet & Sassy®️ Coffee with a focus on supporting the military family community. The overwhelming response and support we received inspired me to take it a step further and create a brand that supports the LGBTQ+ community as well. In January 2022, I founded Rise Above Coffee®️, a company dedicated to raising awareness and generating support for LGBTQ+ causes. S3 Coffee Co and Rise Above Coffee®️ are built around our #coffeeforacause initiative. Each year, we carefully choose 12 LGBTQ+ and military family-focused nonprofits to spotlight. Each month, we feature one nonprofit from each community and donate a percentage of our monthly sales directly to their cause. At Grounds4Cause, we strive to be a brand where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and loved for who they are. We offer more than just a great cup of coffee; we provide community and support. We want to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey has needed to be smoother. We’ve encountered several challenges that have tested our resilience and determination. One of the major struggles we faced was obtaining capital for our small business. We’ve been bootstrapping, which presented limitations and required us to manage our resources carefully to sustain operations and growth. I experienced a setback when I went through a layoff, which affected the business and my finances. Navigating through this period was incredibly challenging but reinforced my commitment to our vision and goals. Additionally, we faced a legal hurdle when we received a cease from Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, prompting us to pivot and rebrand ourselves as Grounds4Cause. This unexpected obstacle forced us to adapt quickly and rethink our strategy, ultimately leading us to a stronger position. Despite these hurdles, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission and belief in the positive impact we aim to make through Grounds4Cause. Each challenge has provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth, shaping us into the resilient and adaptable business we are today.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Grounds4Cause?
Brewed with passion, served with purpose! Welcome to Grounds4Cause (#G4C), which features Southern, Sweet & Sassy®️ Coffee (S3 Coffee) and Rise Above Coffee®️ (RAC) and focuses on our #coffeeforacause initiative. Grounds4Cause isn’t just a coffee business; it’s a movement. Since 2021, we’ve been using the power of coffee to unite people and support the LGBTQ+ and Military Families Communities. We’re a one-person powerhouse, roasting beans only upon order for the freshest taste. Our ideal partners? Any business looking to wholesale and join us in the #coffeeforacause movement. Together, we can brew a better nation. Experience the journey in every sip. Coffee. Community. Support.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Please share something that might surprise us.
We have been approved to list our products on Amazon and enrolled in their brand registry. This is an exciting time for Grounds4Cause, a small business owned by Military Spouses, Service-Disabled Veterans, Women, and Latinas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grounds4cause.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grounds4cause
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grounds4cause
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grounds4cause