Inspiring Conversations with Lynnette Fredrick of The Black Sheep Coffee Tea And Smoothies

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynnette Fredrick.

Lynnette , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Black Sheep opened in a very unknown time, May of 2020. The world was shutting down, and we were opening up. The dream was to open a coffee shop that brought community together and create a space that all kinds of people could use for events, to bible studies, game nights, and more. We wanted to show people what good coffee tastes like when made right, but make you feel right at home with the atmosphere and wonderful customer service from my amazing employees. Not only did we do that, but it has grown into the most amazing, community driven, well loved and supported coffee shop. My dream exploded into something much more. Our location is so unique and we have every walk of life coming in. From police, to Fire departments, City workers, college students, and large families, we cater to all of them and they support us through and through. People come from all over to visit us, the regulars support us and we support them. Watching families grow, to getting their first puppy, promotions, bad days, good days, all of it. We get to be a part of their lives in a very unique way. God has blessed us tremendously and continues to bring us wonderful people who help us and continue to make this dream happen and grow.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Each day brings new challenges, each season we pivot, grow and learn. Technology is not perfect and neither are humans. Opening up a business, let alone a coffee shop, comes with a lot of challenges I really did not know would happen. Electricity going down, internet going out, pipes falling off where they shouldn’t, aggresive people who we have to trespass, fridges stop working, or grinders going down, and dealing with inflation. They are all a part of the business and you simply roll with the punches and make smart decisions that benefit the team and coffee shop. The challenges fine tune you to make better decisons later on and maybe even create a skill you did not have before, like fixing piping or building tables. There will always be struggles, so as long as you know that, you won’t get frustrated as much.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Black Sheep Coffee Tea And Smoothies?
The Black Sheep is such a unique and homey coffee shop. We really strive on amazing customer service, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. I have the most amazing employees that help make you feel right at home. Our customers know we have amazing coffee that sells itself. We carry a Honduran Dark Roast and try to educate them on how a dark roast should taste. Our Roasters, Alchemy Roast, are genius’s when it comes to roasting and put so much love into their process. True coffee roasting passion.
What sets us apart from others is the fact that we are a Christian Coffee Shop. We do not advertise it that way. I want everyone to come in and enjoy the atmosphere and feel how peaceful it is. You will most likely see multiple bible studies happening each day, hosting worship nights, or doing a drive for Local teacher’s in need or hosting a business market.
I am so extremely proud of this shop. We started out in 2020, in the thick of the unknown, but the impact this shop has made not only on me, my employees, but also the community/customers. The Black Sheep was not on the map and now it is. That makes me so proud of the hardwork and dedication from every person that has been involved in this process. Especially the customers that have now become great friends, the ones who have come in and helped rebuild, fix, and help us grow tremendously.

What I would like people to know is that we love our community so very much. We host all kinds of events, from pop up markets, dog adoptions, worship nights, to bridal showers, Teacher Drives, and more. The Black Sheep is community driven and we want this space to be utilized. We will be Launching our coffee cart for bigger events in 2026! I love this shop with my whole heart and am so excited to watch it grow.

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is having a work place that is enjoyable, you love coming to work and most days it doesn’t feel like a job. The people around you also love the same job and it seems effortless. Money is never the goal, it is having a place that has changed lives and will continue to do that in a postive manner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblacksheep_az/

Image Credits
Kody Combes Photographer