This video story reported and produced by Emari Craft. Videography by Ta’Bria Snowden. Web editing by Malachi Callwood and Zachary Wooten.
Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in New Tampa is a Black-owned business where you will not find your regular coffee drinkers, but a locally creative setting where customers can experience something fresh.
To honor her late mother, Arlene Brooks opened her very own coffee shop in November 2019. She decided to become an entrepreneur after working in corporate America for years. In 2021, only 18% of U.S. business owners are minorities and only 19% are women.
“My inspiration for opening the business is because of my mom and I wanted to have a memory of my mom every day,” said Brooks. “And coffee does that. Growing up as a kid, when you would smell coffee, you knew mom was up. So, I lost my mom in 2016, and this is a memory that I can have of her every day.”
The menu displays a variety of options from the classic drinks, lattes, Frappafreezes, Doroteas and the specialty lemonade slushies. Brooks uses top of the line ingredients to make her drinks special and flavorful.
Even though it is known for their drinks, Coffee Speaks N Tea talks is also popular for Jazz performances and giving artists a place to showcase their talent.
“Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks is surrounded by everything they need to have a voice to speak or talk. Music has a voice. Art has a voice, all of those different things of that nature,” said Brooks. “Comedy has a voice as all the different genres of art connected to the coffee speaks in tea talks, and that’s how that’s boarded in together in the branding.”
It also offers a variety of different items like coffee scented candles, shea butter and muffins if customers don’t wish to purchase drinks.
“I would say in any business that you want to do, if it’s your dream, whatever it is you want to do seize the moment, do not give up and keep pushing until you get it done,” said Brooks.
To check out Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks, visit them on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard or place an order on their website.
