The Story Behind Coffee & a Prayer Co: How It All Started

Starting a business is rarely just about selling products—it’s about passion, creativity, and a desire to share something special with the world. For me, Coffee & a Prayer Co is more than a shop; it’s a reflection of my faith, my love for handmade crafts, and my journey as an entrepreneur. Let me take you behind the scenes and share the story of how it all began.

Why I Started This Business

Ever since I was young, I’ve loved creating things with my hands. Whether it was crafting, drawing, or experimenting with different materials, I always found joy in bringing ideas to life. But the turning point came when I started having health issues and widespread body pain. I was finally diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia in 2015. As time went on, my symptoms became worse and worse, leading to new health issues. Through trial and error with medications, things started looking up, but my Fibromyalgia flare-ups were still unpredictable. I knew there was no way I could hold a full-time job.

So, I started making and selling handmade items for family and friends. That went on for a few years, but as anyone with chronic illness knows, it also takes a toll on mental health. I struggled with feelings of not contributing to my family, of not doing “enough.” That’s when it hit me—I could turn this into an actual business, something that allowed me to work on my own terms while doing what I love. Thank goodness for my wonderful, amazing husband, who has supported me all these years and never made me feel unworthy!

The Inspiration Behind the Name and Mission

The name "Coffee & a Prayer Co" wasn’t just randomly chosen, it holds deep meaning for me. One night, I went to bed thinking about what I should name my business and brainstorming ideas on what to make and sell. The next morning, it all became so clear! It was as if I had dreamed the entire vision. I’m still unsure how it happened, but all I know is that when I woke up, I had my business name in mind.

It was the most perfect name because my mornings always start with a cup of coffee and a prayer for my pain to ease. I immediately started working on my logo and let me tell you—it was the fastest thing I have ever created! With fibro-fog, that kind of clarity is almost impossible to achieve, but this time, everything flowed effortlessly.

I didn’t register my business right away; self-doubt started creeping in, making me question whether I was really capable of turning this into something bigger. But I took the first step by changing my Instagram name and adding my new logo as my profile picture. A while later, I made the leap and decided to open my Shopify store. I already had a vision of how I wanted it to look and what colors I wanted to use. Again, it all came together smoothly—of course, with a few tweaks here and there.

Beyond just selling handmade items, my mission is to inspire and uplift. Whether it’s through a cozy crochet plush, a personalized beaded accessory, or a beautifully designed sublimated earring, every piece I create is made with love and intention. I want my customers to feel that joy and connection when they receive one of my handmade pieces.

My Journey into Handmade Crafts

I fell in love with crochet watching my grandmother make blankets as if it were second nature to her.  When I became pregnant with my son in 2005, I decided I wanted to make a baby blanket for him. By that time, my grandmother was older and unable to teach me, so I took it upon myself to learn. I researched, watched YouTube videos, and did my best to figure it out. I managed to crochet about 30 rows, but my tension was inconsistent, and frustration took over. I eventually gave up on the baby blanket.

Years later, when my son was about six and I was no longer working, I picked up my yarn and hook again. This time, it clicked! I began making blankets, baby booties, headbands, ear warmers, the sky was the limit! What had started as a simple attempt to cope with my chronic illness and ease my anxiety quickly turned into an obsession. I fell in love with the meditative process, the endless creative possibilities, and the ability to transform a single strand of yarn into something beautiful and useful.

From there, my creativity expanded into beaded accessories, custom keychains, sublimation designs, and more. Each craft I explore becomes another way to express myself and offer unique, high-quality handmade products to my customers. My creative journey is constantly evolving, and I love learning new techniques to make my shop even better.

Challenges and Milestones Along the Way

Like any small business, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. From learning how to price my products to figuring out the best marketing strategies, there’s been a lot of trial and error. Finding the right materials, balancing creativity with business management, and navigating social media growth have all been part of the adventure.

What I Hope to Achieve in the Future

Coffee & a Prayer Co is just getting started! My vision is to continue expanding my product line, reaching more customers, and eventually growing this into a full-time business.

I’d love to collaborate with other small businesses, introduce new handmade collections, and create more meaningful, personalized products.

More than anything, I hope to continue spreading joy through handmade artistry. Every piece I create carries a bit of my heart, and I want my customers to feel that connection in every order they receive.

A Special Thank You to My Family

"To my rock, my strength, my world—my everything. Thank you for being my biggest supporter, for standing beside me through every challenge, and for loving me unconditionally. Your unwavering belief in me has kept me going, even on the hardest days. I love you always and forever!”

“To my kids, who are now all grown but will always be my babies—thank you for your endless support, for cheering me on, and for the input you’ve given me along the way. No matter where life takes you, know that Mom loves you dearly and is forever grateful for you."

“To my mom and sisters—thank you for being my very first customers when I was just starting out. Your support wasn’t just about buying my creations; it was the boost I needed to believe in myself and keep going. Knowing that you believed in my work gave me the confidence to turn my passion into a business. I love and appreciate you more than words can say!"

A Heartfelt Thank-You to Customers and Supporters

To everyone who has supported Coffee & a Prayer Co—whether by making a purchase, following along on social media, or simply sending kind words—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement means everything, and I wouldn’t be here without you.

I invite you to continue this journey with me. Follow along, share your thoughts, and let me know what handmade creations you’d love to see next. This business is about community, creativity, and connection, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next!

With love and gratitude,
Adriana