How did you come up with your business concept? What inspired you to start your own business?
As Denton locals, we’ve watched the local coffee scene grow and change over the last several years as customers and from behind the bar. We found ourselves in want of a comfortable third space, so when the opportunity arose to create it ourselves, it was hard to pass up.
What’s your background? Could you tell us how each of these disciplines emerge in your work?
We’ve both worked in the service industry for a collective decade, with half of that time spent specifically in the coffee industry. Betz spent some time working in wholesale for a local coffee roastery and that interest shines through in the retail shelf that we have at Triptych. Our goal is to bring as much variety to Denton as possible. Lois’ culinary experience shines through in our menu development and drink creation. Her passion for art lends itself well to brand and graphic design, as evidenced by the design of our website, menu, stickers…you name it.
What led you to take your work from an idea to pursuing it as a business?
We were presented with an opportunity to purchase the starting equipment that was too good to pass up. After spending over a year dreaming about owning our own shop, it felt like something we really couldn’t ignore.
How did you find your way to your current brand?
Brand development is a key part of any new business, so we absolutely had to adapt and learn. A huge part of our first year was developing our brand, and making sure that as a small business, we’re communicating our values so that our community knows us as well as we know them.
What’s your favorite thing about your workspace?
We split our time currently! Most of our daily time is spent at the cart, either behind the bar serving or sitting and working on administrative duties. Outside of our time at the cart, we spend a lot of time working at dedicated desks at Stoke. In both situations, community is our favorite part (not to mention the free coffee at both!).
Do you have a personal and/or professional motto or mantra that you call upon during tough times? What is it and what does it mean to you? We have several that we toss around! “A falling knife has no handle” is a wonderful reminder to let go of the things that don’t serve you. Secondly, “It’s just coffee,” is an excellent reminder to not take ourselves too seriously.
Triptych Coffee Co popped up at FlintConf, Stoke’s annual conference for entrepreneurs.
How do you pick back up on moving your business forward when perhaps feeling uninspired?
It can be incredibly difficult sometimes, but the reality is, we’re in this fully and fully together. Knowing we have each other to lean on but to also take care of motivates us to keep going, even when it gets tough.
Triptych Coffee Co won second place at the 2023 Denton Pitch Competition.
What have you gained so far from being a part of the AccelerateHER cohort?
We realized the importance of having a community of like-minded business owners. Having other people who can relate to our situation and understand the issues we’re facing was a game changer when it came to finding solutions. We love this cohort, and every woman involved has been absolutely lovely and incredibly supportive.
Name a woman or gender expansive individual, past or present, whom you admire or look up to. Why?
Taylor Bales! As the owner of True Leaf Studio, where we’re parked most of the time, she has opened up so many doors for us and for so many other creatives in this community. She’s truly been an inspiration for how we want Triptych to function for Denton. Her doors are always open and yet she has amazing boundaries.