Community Highlights: Meet Emilie Bullock of Hive Coffee Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilie Bullock

Hi Emilie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a dream of owning a coffee shop but just assumed it would always be just that.. a dream. When I moved to Shelby in 2015 I used to pass this old drive-thru bank when driving around town. It sat empty for years. I used to tell my husband that it would be such a great spot for a coffee/breakfast drive-thru spot. (Because I love coffee and I’m always running late!) But of course it was just a passing thought and I never acted on it as I was working my 8-5 right out of college with little time or money for such a venture. A few years later, a local coffee shop expanded and turned this vacant bank into their second location. I became a regular at this location. Over the years I became good friends with the owner because we later went to the same gym. Fast forward to January 2021. I was out with a group of friends which included the owner of the coffee shop. We began to talk shop and he told me that the drive-thru location was just too much on his plate and he had plans to close the shop in the coming months and go back to just the one location. I told him that I was interested in purchasing it and we set up a meeting to talk details the following week. And on April 1st 2021, I became a business owner of my very own coffee shop! We operated for a short time under the same name but our own identity started to form quickly. Somehow, out of a little drive-thru, we were creating a community and unique coffee experience. My team became like family. One day, a regular customer said that shop reminded him of a bee hive when he pulled up to see all of the worker bees buzzing around inside. This resonated with us so much because the shop truly had become our “hive”. It became the place that the workers came if they had a good day and wanted to share news with our crew or if they had a bad day to vent or be consoled. And same for the customers! So we ran with the idea and Hive Coffee was created! We love the idea of being everyone’s go to spot on their way to work or when they are in a hurry or even when it’s raining and you don’t want to get out of your car, so the drive-thru has always been amazing for that. But we also wanted to create a space that our customers could come in a hang out with us when they have time! Or give them a space to work or meet with friends which brought us to our next venture.. Hive Coffee Bar. In March of 2024 we opened our first brick-and-mortar space in Uptown Shelby, located alongside the future Carolina Harmony Rail Trail. We have a full coffee bar, homemade baked goods, açaí bowls, and beer/wine. We have indoor and outdoor seating with a covered patio and fire place. It’s been such a great addition to our brand!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a business owner is never a “smooth road” but it is the most satisfying work of my life. There are many highs and lows, but to bring your ideas and dreams to life is worth every struggle and sleepless night.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
2 coffee shops in Shelby, NC.
Our beans are locally roasted by Small Town Coffee Roaster in Rutherfordton, NC. All of our beans are ethically sourced, direct from the farmers. Organic and rain forest certified.
We use local Honey (WPz Beez) for our drinks and açaí bowls.
We also use local companies for our printing, embroidering, and other merchandise items.
We try and use as many local sources for our products as possible to support local businesses and the local economy. It really ties into our brand of “our hive” and our community mindset.
We were nominated “Best Local Coffee Shop” in Cleveland County for 2024!

How do you define success?
Success to me is measured by happiness and the people around you. Money and nice things means nothing without good people by your side to enjoy life with. Family, friends, and community are the irreplaceable things.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hive_coffeeco/
• Website: https://hivecoffeecompany.square.site/