About Us

Our Story

At Soulful Sips, coffee and tea aren't just drinks; they're part of our DNA. Our story spans kitchens, music studios, gospel stages, and family traditions passed down through generations. Every cup we brew today carries the spirit of those moments.


Where My Story Begins — Newark, NJ

I am sure my roots trace back to my ancestors, who farmed coffee or tea. I've heard stories from my elders about our journey and history. But for me, where I realize the legacy is with my great‑grandfather, one of the owners and members of the Coleman Brothers Gospel Group, The Colemans’ Recording Studio, and the Coleman Hotel in Newark, NJ. I recall my great-grandmother, grandmother, and elders in NYC, NJ, PA, NC, and VA, enjoying coffee and teas as a communal ritual, not just as a beverage.


The Coleman Hotel was more than a place to stay; it was a cultural hub. Artists, musicians, and celebrities of the time passed through its doors, sharing stories, laughter, music, and, of course, endless cups of coffee and tea. My great-grandmother and grandmother often shared stories about how those beverages flowed through jam sessions, late‑night conversations, and the creative magic that filled the space. I heard (and continue the tradition) about recipes that incorporated coffee or tea, from hot toddies to rum cakes.

Coffee and tea were the backdrop to legacy-building.
They were present in every meeting, every melody, every memory.


A Family Built on Flavor, Music, and Connection

In my own childhood, the tradition continued.

I remember sitting with my great‑grandmother and great aunt in the kitchen, music playing softly in the background. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee or tea filled the room as we talked, listened, laughed, and simply were. Those slow, soulful moments shaped me.
Coffee and tea were woven into everyday life:
  • My grandma brewing tea as she chopped vegetables and prepared meals
  • Elderberry tea for colds
  • Chamomile tea for better sleep
  • My aunts and mom gossiping, laughing, and bonding over their steaming cups
Across generations, cups weren't just held, they were shared, filling the room with warmth, comfort, and connection.


Traditions We Carried Forward

The love of these drinks didn't stop with me.

My son worked for a major coffee franchise, adding a new layer to our family's coffee culture.

My husband, his younger sister, and I exchange rare teas and unique tea gear, discovering new blends and deepening our shared appreciation.

My brother‑in‑law and I still trade coffees from around the world like treasured artifacts.
Everyone in the family brings something new to the table, but the ritual stays the same.


Why Soulful Sips Was Born

Soulful Sips is the natural extension of these memories, this heritage, this rhythm of life passed down from the Coleman lineage to us today.

It's not about selling beverages.
It's about honoring soulful connections.
It's about the tradition of conversation, comfort, creativity, and community, the same tradition that once filled the Coleman Hotel and our family kitchens.

Coffee and tea are in our souls. They always have been.


Our Commitment to Ethical Sourcing

Honoring our heritage also means celebrating the people who make our craft possible.

That's why we focus on:
  • Ethically sourced coffees and teas
  • Direct partnerships with growers and cooperatives
  • Fair pay and sustainable farming practices
  • Supporting farmers around the world whose traditions are as rich as ours

Every bag we sell carries not only incredible flavor but dignity, respect, and global connection.

When you sip Soulful Sips, you're joining a circle that spans eras, cultures, and continents.