Today we’d like to introduce you to Nolan Wood.
Hi Nolan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started off working at Starbucks when I was 17 years old. I spent 13 years with that company and learned a lot. During my time there Wood Coffee Co. went from a thought to a dream, to a plan, to a reality. I began planning things out with support from the Small Business Development Center in Long Beach in early 2019 and it wasn’t until early 2020 that I was ready to start making moves… the pandemic of course added a layer of complication to that. But I stayed in touch with the people I was working with and was able to sign the lease to the building in August 2020 and finally open the shop in December 2021.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was definitely a challenge, as mentioned I got things started just before the pandemic but once it was here it forced me to slow down a touch to focus and ensure it was really what I wanted to do. After giving it some thought, I realized if not now when. The pandemic was a lot of things, but ultimately it really encouraged me to be more present in the day to day. Additionally, the world of construction and city building functions were so drastically different whether it be supply chains, new digital systems or the ongoing pandemic, there were lots of delays and setbacks throughout. I don’t know anyone who has opened a business and shared it was a smooth operation, but it’s really nice to be on the other side and know a little more about what I could have done differently that I could apply to potential future endeavors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Wood Coffee Co. is an entirely plant-based cafe in Long Beach, California. We craft delicious drinks ranging from espresso to matcha to tonic water americanos. We also carry a variety of rotating pastries from local vegan pastry makers. We are (to my knowledge) the only entirely plant-based coffee shop in the Long Beach area. On top of providing delicious plant-based goodies, we aim to provide a safe space for the LGBTIA2S+ community. As a queer individual, it’s important for me to ensure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in our shop but that we make it known our focus is on our community in particular. Whether that means just asking for folks’ preferred names and spellings to ensure we get it right or hosting events centered around the LGBTQIA2s+ community. I think what has been great since our shop opened in December 2021 is that we’ve hosted a variety of events from screenings of Rupaul’s Drag Race to events put on by CUTIES LA (An LA-based events organization highlighting the BIPOC QT community) to movie night to paint night to fundraisers and beyond. It’s been really exciting to meet so many folks and create such a sense of community in this shop in just a year and we can’t wait to watch that expand and grow.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I recently read the memoir Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner and although it was after I had opened my shop, it was very impactful on reminding me the importance of staying present and following your dreams even when things get hard. I don’t read as often as I’d like, but that book definitely left a lasting impression. Otherwise, I am constantly listening to music and going to live shows and drawing inspiration from artist’s creativity, drive and passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: woodcoffeeco.com
- Instagram: woodcoffeeco
