Husband and Wife Team up to Brew a New Path for Mental Health and Recovery Communities in Tampa Bay
Recovery Beans of Hillsborough County
Alison and Alex Kawliche, co-owners of Recovery Beans, have created more than just a coffee roasting company; they’ve built a space of connection and hope for individuals in the mental health and addiction recovery communities. Serving the Tampa Bay area, their business is dedicated to blending high-quality coffee with a mission to support those on the path to healing.
Their journey began with a personal passion for mental health advocacy and the therapeutic nature of coffee culture. “We have a passion for recovery and mental health. I’m a licensed mental health counselor and my wife is a registered nurse, and we’re both in long-term recovery. We started the company because we also have a passion for coffee, and this was a space that was really kind of being neglected. If you’re in those communities, especially the recovery community, you know we love coffee,” Alex Kawliche mentioned during the interview.
When the Kawliches decided to pursue their dream, they sought out information on the internet and stumbled up a Florida SBDC at USF webinar which led them to sign up for a no-cost consultation. That’s when they were paired with business consultant, Christine Jaros, for business guidance. “It’s been a feather in our cap to have this; the support, and some of it has been the business support but some of it is the emotional support of just like ‘hey, you’re on the right track,’” Alex said.
Through the Florida SBDC at USF’s business start services, they developed a solid business plan, registered their business, and gained invaluable insights on networking to grow their customer base. “We were like, alright well this is a new type of business. What type of permits do we need? We’re selling physical products, what about taxes, you know, and we just didn’t know. As a business owner that was a hinderance. It becomes a barrier that’s almost impossible to breach without somebody like the SBDC, helping out,” Alex explained.
Since launching, Recovery Beans has seen significant growth. They’ve built a strong business foundation that will create partnerships within their community and expand their reach, helping individuals and organizations connect over coffee and shared stories. “Our business has grown because of working with the Florida SBDC because it was first an idea. Working with Chrissy, we actually turned that idea into getting a license, getting the insurance, getting everything set up to actually get to launch and have it be successful,” Alex said. “I won’t say it was stress-free, but we were capable of doing it because of you guys,” the co-owner added.
As their business grows, Alex and Alison Kawliche plan to continue working with the Florida SBDC at USF to grow their business in sales and partnerships but most importantly to spread a message and help others in need on companionship. “We want to continue growing our marketing, our relationships with different organizations we might not even know exist,” Alex said. “Part of what we’re wanting to do is to get involved, helping organizations, non-for-profit organizations, that are helping people with addiction and mental illness because it’s not just selling product, it’s part of that deeper message for us, which keeps it interesting and fulfilling and I think we’ll naturally bring other people in as we grow,” he added.
To other entrepreneurs, Kawliche offered this advice: “When I’m asked and even when I’m not asked, I’m going to tell people that the Florida SBDC – use them! Look them up, talk to them, it’s so helpful. Even if you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, move forward with it. It’s your dream, make it a reality, and you don’t have to do it alone.”
