Chelsea Lanier and younger sister Camie Carlisle grew up with the smell of coffee permeating their home, where their dad started roasting beans in the basement almost 30 years ago. As adults, they decided to immerse themselves in coffee and the nuances of roasting. They want their customers to experience the care and passion they put into each bag and to witness how coffee can bring folks together. They distribute wholesale to local businesses and cafés and also sell retail. Order their coffee, or find out where you can get it at their website.
As a junior in high school in California, Shayne Smith knew she wanted to start a coffee shop. So, she moved to Seattle and learned about coffee, while getting her business degree online. She eventually followed her parents to Nashville, and, after buying a bag of locally roasted Sky Bear Coffee, was determined to meet the roaster, Lesa Wood. They met, and, with Lesa’s help, Shayne found herself in the back corner of Joelton Hardware with a lil’ coffee booth. A few months later, a space opened in Five Points in East Nashville, where Shayne and Lesa launched Middle Grounds Coffee in August. Located in a bungalow next to the Makeup Alter, Shayne and Lesa have created a cozy neighborhood space with great coffee and personality. Shayne makes all her syrups herself and is frequently working into the wee hours after her shift at a local night spot. You can follow Shayne’s antics on Instagram.