​40 Women-Owned Businesses Serving Sweetwater & Empowering Farmers

Posted by Eva Avenue on 19th Feb 2021

​40 Women-Owned Businesses Serving Sweetwater & Empowering Farmers

Left: A Sweet Brewnette barista holds out a drink in Madeira Beach, FL. Right: A shot from Square Mug Cafe in Tallahassee, FL

In honor of our new batch of freshly roasted coffee from Las Diosas (“The Goddesses”) - an all-women-owned coffee farming cooperative in Northern Nicaragua - we have released a custom bag label designed by Wunderland Custom Tattoo. We wanted to take it a step further and highlight some women-owned businesses that use Sweetwater Organic Coffee and honor fair-trade values in how they do business. Most of these are based in Florida.

1. AK CONSULTING | Tallahassee, FL

AK Consulting reached out to us back in December after purchasing a bag of Good Morning Tallahassee from another customer, Simply Entertaining (another woman-owned business) and thought it would be a great item to give out at a conference that she put on in Wisconsin.

"Our specialty is bringing people together to strengthen your mission. We will work with you to identify your goals and needs for each event and then plan a customized strategy to achieve those goals. Our team will think of every detail from venue selection, speakers and content, and registration, to on-site hospitality and events. We will help you design a spectacular event to exceed your expectations and maximize your budget."

2. CHELSEA COFFEE COMPANY | Ocala, FL

A long-time customer in Ocala, FL, they serve fresh food and fair trade organic coffee. They’re located in a busy strip-mall down the road from the old Six Gun Territory, so stop by and say hi to owner Brenda and the crew when you need a pick-me-up!

3. BAREFOOT BUDDHA | Havensight, St. Thomas

This Carribean gem is located in Havensight, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and serves a full menu of eclectic and classic fare.

4. BAMBI'S COUNTRY FARM MARKET AND CAFE | High Springs, FL

“We are a permaculture homestead and natural farm, committed to growing real produce, free of harmful pesticides, chemicals and GMOs, using environmentally friendly methods of farming. We grow seasonal fruits and vegetables all-year-round in North Florida. Stop by our local farmers market in High Springs, where we offer sustainably grown fresh produce, and delicious homemade baked goods. You are also welcomed to join our CSA to receive an assortment of fresh harvested vegetables and herbs weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.”

5. BUDY FINCH CATERING | Flat Rock, NC

“Budy Finch Catering & Revelry hopes to deliver a little comfort and joy to your home. We are thrilled to be able to provide delivery and pick up meals with a few fun additions. We are working with local farmers and artisans to share the bounty of our area. Please check our Instagram account for updates of sides or specials.

Please note we will only be delivering to certain areas on certain days. We are happy to set up an additional delivery free of charge for groups that can order 10 or more meals. We can always arrange for pick up from our kitchen in Flat Rock. We have outlined our ordering and sanitation protocol further in the information section of this site.”

6. BALANCED 4 LIFE | Summerfield, FL

Small life coaching business. She carries Sweetwater as a donation of love for when people want coffee

7. CAFFEINATED CAT | Jacksonville, FL

A hot spot cat cafe in Jacksonville Beach, FL that combines cats and coffee in the best way. Adoptable cats (through Mayport Cat Adoptables), fair trade organic coffee and all the cat swag you could want, including ninja sticks (catnip sewn into long cat pillows they play with) and even cat-themed masks for the humans.

8. DIANE'S NATURAL MARKET | St. Augustine

“Diane’s is proud to have served the St. Augustine community for over 35 years. Our mission is to be your locally owned and operated source for natural grocery, supplement, and health & beauty options, while also serving as an informational resource of the natural products industry.

Dedication to our customers, the community, and the spirit of healthy living has always been the foundation of Diane’s. We hope this store is a reflection of this continued commitment and our gratitude to the City of St. Augustine and its surrounding communities, whose support over the years is truly appreciated.”

9. DICK AND JANE’S | Deland, FL

Laid-back American-style café in Deland, FL with an exposed-brick interior, glass snack counter & blackboard menu. Open from 8:00am-2:30pm. Lunch served from 11:00am-2:30. 142 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720

10. ELEGANCE STUDIO HAIR SALON | Gainesville, FL

Elegance Studio in Gainesville, FL specializes in slimming, facials, and hair design. We work until the client is happy!

11. ELLE COCINA | Trenton, FL

A dual Mexican and Tex-Max restaurant.

12. FIFTH GENERATION FARMS | Lake City, FL

“Our aim at Fifth Generation Farms is to share an authentic taste of North Florida. We bring farm-fresh food options to family and friends while supporting sustainable agriculture and passing on time tested farm-life principles for generations to come.”

Located in Lake City, FL, the farmstead includes a butcher shop, specialty grocery, fresh to-go prepared foods, artisan gifts and crafts, produce, and dairy.

13. FLA STAYS | Crescent Beach/ St. Augustine, FL

Focusing on Crescent Beach on the East Coast of Florida, “FlaStays is St. Augustine's newest boutique style vacation rental management company. We pride ourselves on customer relations and cleanliness of each property!”

14. FLOREGON WELLNESS | Trenton, FL

“Natural and herbal remedies. Holistic health items. CBD and CBG whole smokeable flower. Organic coffees and smoothies.”

15. FLOURISH NATURAL HEALTH CENTER | Longwood, FL

Run by Pam Wesley, their resident expert: “At Flourish Natural Health Center we believe in a natural approach to wellness; that Mind, Body, Spirit, and Health are all deeply interconnected. It is our mission to help our clients find a balanced approach to all aspects of their physical and psychological health and well being. We recognize that in today’s modern environment, people need a place to help re-balance and re-center, to navigate life’s everyday situations with a sense of ease, and to feel a vibrant vitality about their connection with their own health.

In our experience, we have found that creating an environment that encourages an organic self-discovery concerning current health is the most direct path for nurturing healing in our clients’ personal wellness. Our goal is to guide you to explore your own inherent connection, which in turn helps to develop a deeply rooted relationship with your own personal wellbeing.

We invite you to come in, breathe freely, and let us help you Flourish, from the Inside Out!”

16. FROG SONG ORGANICS | Hawthorne, FL

Co-founded by Amy Van Scoik and John Bitter:

“Frog Song Organics started in 2011. Our mission is to provide nutritious foods to our local community. We believe sustainable farming can be possible with respect to our human, ecological and economic resources. We have been a certified organic farm since 2012 by Quality Certification Services. Our farm’s location is in eastern Alachua County, only 30 minutes from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Come for a visit, and you’ll see the many varieties of produce, herbs, and flowers. Everything at our farm is grown directly in the soil to retain it’s rich flavor.

At the farm, you can also see our laying hens for eggs, pasture- raised pork and specialty items such as jams, kimchi, syrups and pickles.”

17. FRONT PORCH PICKINGS | Jacksonville, FL

“Our team's mission is to provide our community with seamless access to good, clean, local food while providing fair and just compensation to our farmers and artisans who work tirelessly to put food on our tables in all kinds of weather. It's in our blood --- our team has been putting the community first through providing local produce for generations. Co-founder Becky Pittard’s father-in-law was well known for sharing his garden with his friends and neighbors. And how did he do it? By leaving a gift of fruit and vegetables on their front porch!”

18. GROWING ROOTZ | Tampa, FL

Run by Carlen Gael: “Here at Growing Rootz, we provide home delivery of local sustainable food. We are fanatical about sourcing the community's whole foods from local farms that are dedicated to sustainable, environmentally-conscious, and humane practices while still maintaining the convenience of home delivery that today's busy lifestyles required! We have developed a new app (downloadable for Apple and Android) for convenient ordering that also offers a subscription option for hassle-free delivery each week.

We partner with local farmers that are dedicated to the same standards by keeping the Earth's delicate ecosystem in mind, treating their animals with the ultimate level of care, love and respect and enhancing the quality of life for farmers and farm-hands alike.”

19. HAS BEANS | Burlington Junction, Missouri

Collette Parry, Eliana Roshel and Dean Kelly are starting a new business called “Has Beans. “ They offer drive through hot and cold beverages and a selection of home baked goods. Their signature ‘Sweetwater’ organic coffee is presented in a variety of ways: traditional espresso (decaffeinated also available), flavored lattes, as a premium filter coffee and as a delicious cold brew. They also have Chai tea, speciality teas and herbal teas. Features that make their business unique compared to other area drive-throughs is that they are not a chain and that their baked goods are unique to their business. Collette Parry says, “Our coffee is organic, and ethically sourced. Our cups are biodegradable/compostable. We want our customers to truly enjoy our products.”

20. ISLAND VIEW COTTAGES | Sebastian, FL

Sebastian, Florida’s home away from home. Visit the link for rates and things to do.

21. KELMAR GROUP | Gainesville, FL

Owned by Kelly Markey

“Kelmar Group works with innovative organizations to enhance and expand fundraising goals through strategic planning and targeted services. Specifically, we work with clients to create momentum and overcome obstacles to ensure success in relation to organizational structure and revenue goals. Our talented team, including strategists, writers, graphic designers and digital media specialists, helps guide and direct all aspects of projects through clear and concise communication and measurable outcomes.”

Services Include: Strategic Planning and Implementation, Board Management and Facilitation, Grant Writing, Marketing & Communications

22. LOVEMONADE | St. Pete, FL

“Lovemonade is infused with social, environmental, and ethical values. Our drinks are fun, and so is your experience with us. Whenever possible we’re organic, vegan, cooperative, fair trade, compostable and reusable. As a yogi I consider serving beverages an act of service (“seva”). Lovemonade is a woman-owned small business, and our friendly Baristas earn at least $15 an hour.”

23. MO'S GARAGE SALON EXPERIENCE | Gainesville, FL

“Mo's Salon Garage Experience is run by Monica, who previously owned a restaurant in Haile Plantation with her sister and mother called Sisters, in addition to a catering business called Olive You Eat Well,” said Sweetwater’s manager Tina Adkins. “They used our coffee back then as well. She now owns Mo's Garage Salon Experience, as well as being the founder and market manager of the Grove street Farmers Market by Cypress & Grove Brewery and the bike path.”

24. NATURAL MOMMY GEAR | Tampa, FL

At Natural Mommy Gear we strive to make the process of living a natural lifestyle easier for you and your loved ones while offering affordable, environmentally sustainable, and supporting natural small businesses all over.

25. NUTRALEAN

Our craft is creating healthy, delicious meals for busy lifestyles but our passion is for people to fall in love with taking care of their body

26. PERFECT GIFT

An easy stop along the circuit when you’re at Haile Plantation Saturday Morning Market

27. PURPLE MOUNTAIN NATURAL FOODS | Rome, GA

Purple Mountain Natural Market is Rome’s only locally owned vitamin, supplement, herb, whole, organic, and natural food market. We’re open seven days a week. Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and here to answer whatever questions you may have.

28. ROCKLEDGE GARDENS | Rockledge, FL

“Sixty years of Florida growing: Rockledge Gardens was founded in 1960 by Harry Witte, a bulb farmer who had settled in Brevard County in 1948 with his wife Mary. In the earliest days, before the Space Coast boom, Rockledge Gardens was essentially a road-side stand run on the honor system (our sign said, “grab a bag of soil and leave your money in the can”). Through the 1960s and 1970s we evolved into a full-fledged nursery business — the largest and most complete garden center in Brevard County.

Over the years Harry and Mary’s six children took turns working in the family business; today Rockledge Gardens is owned and managed by their youngest daughter and her husband, Theresa and Kevin Riley. Rockledge Gardens has won numerous community and industry awards, including from the City of Rockledge and Keep Brevard Beautiful, and recognition from the state nursery association.”

29. SIMPLY ENTERTAINING | Tallahassee, FL

“Our talented team can handle everything about your event: from concept to completion and free you to spend time with guests. Simply Entertaining celebrates the art of inviting, catering and entertaining. We are your one stop shop for intimate parties. Simply stated, we believe that planning your next event should be simple. We take care of everything. Simply Entertaining is unlike any party planner/catering service you’ve ever experienced.”

30. SQUARE MUG CAFE | Tallahassee, FL

“Local Tallahassee family owned coffee shop dedicated to serving local and organic coffee and lunch, beer and wine, and homemade popsicles. Located in Railroad Square Art Park.”

31. SUNFLOWER HEALTH | Gainesville, FL and Lake City, FL

Vitamins & Minerals, Proteins & Body Building, CBD Hemp Oils, Digestion & Probiotics, Essential Oils, Herbs & Tinctures: “We are passionate about the health of the community so we carry the leading brands of the products you love.”

32. SWEET BREWNETTE CAFE | Madeira Beach (St. Pete), FL

“We are your neighborhood coffeehouse inspired by people, cultures, and culinary adventures from the world we live in. All in the beautiful beach location of Madeira Beach, Florida. We pride ourselves on the importance of great coffee, flavorful food with a healthy flare, delightful customer service, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All of our coffee is organic and fair trade certified through a local roaster in Florida. Our coffee is part of the Cooperative Coffees (CC) which is a green coffee importing cooperative committed to supporting and partnering with small scale farmer organizations throughout the world.

We have a passion for wanting to be a part of a better world. Doing our part by supporting small farmers, and sourcing responsibly when possible. When you visit Sweet Brewnette we want you to walk out with a smile, a healthy and satisfied tummy, and love in your heart knowing you played a part in something bigger.

We are quickly becoming a locals favorite spot, but love to meet all the vacationers and hear where they call home in this beautiful world.”

33. SWEET THEORY BAKING | Jacksonville, FL

“We’ve been making treats and slinging dough in our little shop on King St. in Riverside since 2012. We make/bake all of our items fresh daily, by hand, in smaller (ish) batches, favoring all natural and organic ingredients. Daily offerings include cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, biscuit sandwiches, our gluten free items include coffee cakes, cupcakes, brownies/brownie bites, cookies, loaf cakes, and maybe some whoopie cakes or a cake by the slice if we’re feeling it. We never sell day old baked goods, so we can sell out of certain items (if not all) on any given day. If making a special trip to see us later in the afternoon feel free to contact us to see how our product is holding out! Coming in early is the safest way to ensure you’ll have plenty to choose from. (The early bird gets the cinnamon roll or whatever…).”

34. SWEETWATER BRANCH INN | Gainesville, FL

“The Sweetwater Branch Inn, located in historic downtown Gainesville Bed and Breakfast, is part of a Victorian complex which offers all the amenities you would expect in a world-class inn and much more. Featured on PBS’s series “Country Inns USA,” The Sweetwater Branch Inn is graciously decorated and historically preserved offering its visitors a unique bed and breakfast lodging experience in Gainesville. Surrounded by the magnificent McKenzie Gardens, the McKenzie House, dating to 1895, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

While staying at Sweetwater Branch Inn you’ll have a choice of tastefully decorated rooms or fully equipped cottages ideal for extended stays. Our Gainesville Bed and Breakfast offers you a comfortable and tasteful alternative to your standard hotel or bed and breakfast experience whether you are visiting for leisure or on a business trip.”

35. THE BULK PANTRY | Winter Garden, FL

“Custom baked goods including low carb, gluten free, diabetic friendly, vegan, and Keto! Local honey and coffee! We have a booth at the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market every other Saturday from 8am-1pm!”

36. THE COFFEE NOOK

Did you know Bell had it's own specialty coffee shop? If you didn't, now you do! Located inside the Sweet Magnolia Salon, we serve a variety of coffees, smoothies and milkshakes. Take a look at our menu for a complete list of everything we serve!

Some people might call our shop small, but we prefer the term "cozy." We have two small tables, with two chairs each, and a small sofa. Make yourself comfortable while your drink is being made and then stick around while you enjoy it! If you prefer to be outside, we also have a covered patio with several tables and chairs. Perfect when you want some privacy, quiet time or fresh air.

37. VESPR CRAFT COFFEE | Orlando, FL

“Our daily goal is to create drinks and experiences that engage your senses and intellect to the fullest extent - to encourage you to experience coffee beverages in new, unexpected, and flavorful ways.However, drinks are not the most important thing in the world.

Ultimately, we want to provide an environment of hospitality that you can call your second home. A place to meet like-minded people, make connections, and cultivate lasting friendships. With these two essential elements, we wish to help add value to everyone’s individual journey in our collective pursuit of happiness.”

38. WATER GYPSY COFFEE CO | Leesburg, FL

“Water Gypsy Coffee Co. calls Leesburg, Florida home and here, water connects us to all of our friends, family, and nature. We are a free-spirited bunch, celebrating lake life with a cup of coffee and a mega chocolate chip cookie.”

39. WELL WISH BOXES| Gainesville, FL

Our concierge service sets us apart when it comes to gift-giving. We act as consultants, focusing on the result you want and tailoring a solution to your needs. As a company, we exist to deliver an end-to-end gifting solution - to make business gifting mean something. We invite you to think of Well Wish as a concierge, not unlike the concierge at your favorite luxury hotel. Bring us your desires, problems, and ideas - and we will translate them into impactful gifts.

40. YOU!

Because you are here, you have an interest in sustainable communities, fair-trade commerce and delicious coffee, and we want to thank you for being part of a network helping to make the world a better place. If you want to join this amazing group of women, give us a call at (352) 372-8342.

Las Diosas ("The Goddess")