Meet Melissa Green of Grounds4Cause

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

Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Melissa Green. I am the Founder & CEO of Grounds4Cause.

We take pride in providing delicious coffee, but also in 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. I believe that 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.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No, it has not been an easy road. I started my small business with no capital, bootstrapping while working a full-time job. Just as I began gaining traction and exploring options for obtaining capital to purchase a coffee trailer, I lost my six-figure job. I was at a military event on PTO when I got the call.

Suddenly, I had no income, and my credit plummeted as I struggled to pay my bills, which put a strain on my small business. Then, I received a cease and desist from Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii over my company’s name: Badass Coffee Causes. Being a small business, I chose to pivot and rebrand instead of fighting it out. We became Grounds4Cause, a name that turned out to be a blessing as it better reflects our mission.

Since then, I’ve secured a full-time job, albeit with half the previous salary, and have been working on restoring my credit to purchase the coffee trailer. Amid all the chaos, I lost my house and had to move my family to a rental. This, too, proved to be a blessing, as the lower rent allowed me to focus more on my business. We are now featured in two RetailTherapyAZ stores here in Arizona, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Grounds4Cause?
At Grounds4Cause, we are passionate about more than just coffee; we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.

Our business started from humble beginnings, driven by a vision to blend exceptional coffee with a cause-driven mission. We specialize in offering premium coffee products while supporting charitable initiatives and local causes. Our name, Grounds4Cause, reflects our commitment to making a difference with every cup we serve.

What sets us apart:

Purpose-Driven: We are deeply committed to giving back to the community. Each month, we donate to two nonprofits supporting Military Families and LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring our contributions make a real impact.

Quality Coffee: We source the finest coffee beans and ensure meticulous roasting processes to deliver a superior coffee experience. We offer the freshest coffee shipped directly to our customers’ doors.

Diverse Ownership: As a service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned small business, we bring unique perspectives and experiences to our operations, enabling us to connect with a diverse customer base.

Brand Pride: We are most proud of our brand’s ability to resonate with our customers’ values. Grounds4Cause is not just about great coffee; it’s about creating a community of like-minded individuals who believe in making a difference. Our rebranding from Badass Coffee Causes to Grounds4Cause has been a significant milestone, reflecting our true essence and mission more accurately.

What we want our readers to know:

Community Impact: Every cup of coffee you purchase from us contributes to a greater cause, supporting local charities and initiatives that matter.

Our Offerings: We provide a variety of premium coffee products, including beans, ground coffee, and specialty blends. Each product is crafted with care to ensure the highest quality.

Convenient Services: We offer a subscription and save option, plus a rewards and referrals program, making it easy and rewarding for our customers to enjoy our coffee regularly.

Wholesale and Business Solutions: We operate at scale, providing wholesale options and catering to both B2B and B2C markets.

Retail Presence: We are proudly featured in two RetailTherapyAZ stores in Arizona, making our products easily accessible to our local community. We are also located on Amazon!

At Grounds4Cause, we believe in the power of community, the joy of excellent coffee, and the impact of collective efforts. Join us in our journey to brew better days and make a meaningful difference, one cup at a time.

What does success mean to you?
At Grounds4Cause, we define success by the positive impact we make on our community and the relationships we build along the way.

Growing our brand awareness is a key aspect, as it allows us to spread our mission of compassion and support further. Success means obtaining wholesale contracts with businesses around the Phoenix Metro area, ensuring that our coffee fuels employees and organizations and carries a message of unity and support.

Moreover, our true measure of success lies in our ability to serve various nonprofits through our coffee sales. Each cup brewed helps support the LGBTQ+ community, military families, and other vital causes. By aligning our growth with meaningful contributions to these organizations, we create a cycle of positivity and support that defines who we are and what we stand for.

At Grounds4Cause, success is not just about selling coffee—it’s about brewing a better world, one cup at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grounds4cause.com
• Instagram: @grounds4cause | @riseabovecoffee | @s3coffeeco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grounds4cause
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagreenmba
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/grounds4cause.