Espressoul Key Points To Live By….
Pursue Guidance. Be Courageous. Be Courteous
Meet the Owner and CEO, Mr. Nigel Fennell
My Name is Nigel Fennell, and I was first introduced to coffee and espresso on my very first job at the age of 16 working for Panera Bread in Richmond, Va. I served as a barista and cashier for 10 years in which I crafted many different types of espresso drinks, teas. I also enjoyed performing many customer service duties which always gave me a rush of satisfaction to engage with guests and become the reason why they have a great start to their day through a delicious cup of coffee and great overall experience. Within those ten years I had several promotional opportunities that included trainer, shift lead, and shift operating manager. These positions allowed me to develop strong leadership and management skills, in addition to your already honed barista skills.
I’m a full-time professional boxer. I began boxing at the age of 13 years old but didn’t really discover my true passion for the sport until the age of 16 when I had the vision to box in the 2016 Olympic games. After coming up short in the Olympic trials qualifiers, I decided to turn professional in 2018. In 2020 I moved to San Diego, California to pursue other endeavors within my boxing career which also led me into managing Serpentine Cider, an esteemed Cidery, serving as a mentor for at-risk youth, work as a skilled barista at Lazy Eye Coffee Co., all while pursuing the role of a full-time professional boxer.
As a passionate coffee enthusiast who has dedicated much time to perfecting the art of coffee, I have now taken my passion to the next level by creating my own coffee business. I am driven by a desire to offer a unique coffee experience that stands out from the rest. Countless hours have been invested researching and experimenting with different brewing techniques, coffee bean sourcing, and flavor profiles to ensure that your business provides a truly exceptional coffee experience. My unique vision, ethics, and concept are poised to captivate and inspire a wide audience, making it a desirable experience that people from all walks of life will want to embrace and endorse. The distinctiveness of Espressoul's approach sets it apart from traditional coffee establishments, creating a compelling allure that appeals to a broad range of individuals.
Espressoul is the beautiful culmination of a long journey, driven by an unwavering passion for savoring the essence of each moment through the simple act of indulging in superb coffee. My connection with coffee shops became not just a profession but a deeply fulfilling way of life. Clients turned into friendships, and those friendships turned into support systems that have graciously provided the tools from mentorships to education to design, bringing all the pieces of Espressoul together. What has brought this passion project to fruition has been founded upon the phenomenal relationships developed in this experience. It is entirely thanks to the many amazing people I met along the way that made this all possible.
Espressoul is more than just a coffee brand; it's a reflection of my profound dedication to the pursuit of mindfulness, flavor, and enlightenment of the African American culture. It embodies the spirit of those who appreciate the art of living in the moment, finding solace and delight in the rich aromas and flavors that coffee can offer. Espressoul is the embodiment of a well-lived life, a testament to the belief that a simple cup of coffee can be a gateway to the extraordinary.
The genesis of the name "Espressoul" is an intriguing blend of influences. I aimed to select a distinct name that would resonate with both the coffee community, often represented by the average "Joe," and pay homage to African American culture. One day, while driving and contemplating names, I found myself repeatedly saying "Espresso." In a serendipitous moment, I unintentionally blended "Soul" with "Espresso" while attempting to pronounce the latter, and just like that, it clicked. "Soul" carries significant cultural significance, particularly from the vibrant 70s and 80s era within the African American community. It embodies a rich cultural heritage and a sense of connection that I wanted to incorporate into the name, resulting in the distinctive and resonant "Espressoul."
The Mission and Vision of Espressoul Coffee
As a small black owned business , Espressoul will be focused on all aspects of the coffee experience, from the sourcing of high-quality beans, quality roasts, to the design and ambiance of our coffee truck all while being community involved.
We will introduce a unique initiative “Deals” option that allows customers to participate in a heartwarming gesture of kindness by offering anonymous pre-purchased food and beverage options for specific or unexpected guests who may not have the financial means at that moment.
In addition, there will be two days in the week where 20% of sales will go to our non-profit organization S.T.R.I.V.E. for at-risk youth to fund structural activities and mentoring. This non-profit was started by the visionary and owner, Nigel Fennell. In addition to this, we are going to provide a select number of improved youths with job opportunities.
This innovative program will not only promote inclusivity and compassion within our establishment but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. We are very passionate about educating my customers on the art and science of coffee, offering tastings, and providing guidance on the best brewing methods to bring out the unique flavors for preferred coffee beans.
Overall, our passion for coffee is not just about enjoying a great cup of coffee, but also about sharing my love of coffee with others by creating a memorable experience for all.
