As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the individuals who pour their heart and soul into crafting the perfect cup. But it’s not every day that you come across an 18-year-old who has been brewing and cupping coffee since the age of three. That’s exactly who we have with us today – Keely Thomas, a University of South Carolina student and the co-founder of Grand Strand Coffee.
The Next Generation of Coffee Lovers
Keely’s story is truly a remarkable one, and it’s not just because of her young age. Her family is deeply rooted in the coffee industry, and her active involvement from such a tender age makes her a shining example of the Next Gen coffee leaders.
“It’s practically in my blood,” Keely tells me as we sit down for our interview. “I’ve grown up in coffee shops, roasting plants, and QC labs. Cupping coffee has been a part of my life since I was just three years old.”
But Keely’s journey in coffee didn’t stop there. By the time she was 10, her father had already started teaching her how to roast samples on Probat sample roasters. This early exposure not only ignited her passion for the craft but also equipped her with the skills to cup for defects and develop flavor profiles.
A Pandemic-Fueled Entrepreneurial Spirit
Keely’s entrepreneurial spirit started to shine through when she was just 13 years old. Eager to earn some extra cash, she decided to open a small cold brew stand at the local farmers market with the help of her mother. For two years, they ran this little side hustle, honing their skills and building a loyal customer base.
But Keely’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic, she and her family seized the opportunity to open their very own brick-and-mortar coffee shop – Grand Strand Coffee.
“It was a challenge opening in that environment,” Keely admits, “but we had a significant following already. Plus, we were so specialty-focused that we didn’t have much competition.”
Specialty Coffee: A Passion and a Calling
Keely’s commitment to specialty coffee is palpable. She speaks with a level of enthusiasm and expertise that belies her young age. “Customers quickly understood that we were a coffee family and we were focused on high-end specialty, telling the story of the coffee all the way back to the farmers that grew it.”
This passion for specialty coffee and educating customers is a driving force behind Keely’s work at Grand Strand Coffee. She takes pride in creating classic and new drink combinations, like the “sweet and spicy latte” – a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and allspice.
But Keely’s ambitions extend beyond just serving up delicious beverages. She’s also been attending barista competitions and hopes to one day compete in the prestigious U.S. Barista Championship.
The Family Connection: Roasting and Importing
Keely’s coffee journey doesn’t end at the barista counter. She’s also had the opportunity to learn about the broader industry through her father’s work as an importer at Intercontinental Coffee Trading.
“During the pandemic, when the ICT office in San Diego was closed, my father and I had to help with QC. Most of the samples from Origin would come to us to cup, and we would then let the team know the results. I would roast the samples, set up the tables, and cup five days a week with my father.”
This hands-on experience with roasting and cupping has given Keely a deeper appreciation for the connection between producers and roasters. It’s a perspective she hopes to carry with her as she looks to the future.
The Next Generation’s Impact on the Industry
As Keely navigates her transition from high school to college, she’s optimistic about the future of the coffee industry. “I definitely plan on staying in the coffee industry after I graduate,” she tells me. “I want to become a Specialty Coffee Trader and eventually start my own importing company.”
Keely’s vision for the industry’s future aligns with the broader trends she’s observed. “I feel that the coffee industry will continue to see a shift toward specialty. We’ve been seeing this trend in the US for a while, and after talking to my father about some of the next-generation coffee producers, I feel origin is moving in that direction as well.”
What excites Keely most is the role that technology and social media will play in shaping the industry’s future. “Social media is already a great way to teach people about coffee and the whole process from seed to cup. You’ve got amazing baristas like Morgan Ekroth and next-generation coffee growers like Sara Corrales putting out great content. This content shows younger people that coffee is more than just a way to get cheap energy to help them study all night – coffee has history and lots of passion behind it.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As our conversation draws to a close, I can’t help but feel inspired by Keely’s unwavering passion and her vision for the future of coffee. When I ask her what advice she would share with her fellow Next Gen-ers or people looking to get involved in the industry, her response is simple, yet powerful:
“Just go for it. If you enjoy a favorite coffee shop or roastery, submit an application. There are so many opportunities in the coffee industry, and so many amazing people and cultures. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Keely’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a willingness to seize opportunities. As the Next Generation of coffee lovers and industry leaders, individuals like Keely are poised to shape the future of this beloved beverage. So, the next time you sip on your daily brew, take a moment to appreciate the passionate people behind the cup.
