Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Alexander.
Gail, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Gail’s Perfect Cup journey begin when I was married. I would prepare my husband’s morning coffee blend before work. After the first cup, my husband looked forward to having a cup every morning.
Later my husband who worked as a civilian and was also Army Reserve was called to active duty for 18 months in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He found himself missing my wonderful coffee. I then begin to ponder how I was going to provide him with his perfect cup of morning brew so that he would not feel so far away from home. So I mixed his same morning blend and measured the amount of water to get the same satisfying mixture. I sent him individual packages of my ready made mix. This was his response: “Your coffee is the same wonderful experience that was unmatched by any other. The experience was so powerful and pleasant I closed my eyes and felt like I was home. The smooth warm and delicious taste was like having a liquid vacation without ever leaving my chair. The coffee beverage you made was unlike any other I have ever tasted.”
My husband’s inspiring words got me thinking. Could this be a product others might enjoy? I had managed to create the perfect blend of coffee, cream, and sugar.
My stepson played a big role in creating my labels and my first logo he got off the computer which was a coffee cup with a smiley face. He was computer savvy at a young age. He was a smart and wise kid beyond his years. We would get him every other weekend and he and l would discuss my coffee ideas. He was one of my taste samplers. When he went off to college and became a lawyer he was never without his favorite, Gail’s Perfect Cup!
Family and friends raved over my coffee as well. One of my friends suggested that I start selling it and apply for business license. This is how my journey began.
In the beginning, I gave out samples to friends, family, and coworkers. I expanded my blend to include flavored coffees, such as French Vanilla, Hazel Nut, Cappuccino, and Caramel Macchiato. I had created the product, but I did not have a name for my business until I met with my family at a Christmas dinner. One of my family members suggests that since it was my mixture, and since the mixture was a perfect cup of coffee, why not call it” Gail’s Perfect Cup.”
I had to go through the proper channels to meet the USDA guidelines for my home base business. Some of it was a bit challenging, but I met all of the standards. After I was approved by USDA, I got my business license.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a new business, it has been challenging getting the word out beyond the local area. I have had some success and some returning customers on-line, but on-line customers don’t get to sample my product.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gail’s Perfect Cup – what should we know?
Gail’s Perfect Cup specializes in blending the perfect cup of coffee, chai tea lattes, and hot chocolate. My blends are pre-mixed so that all you have to do is add 10 ounces of hot water for the perfect cup. Other well-known companies do not offer the perfect pre-mixed blends.
Note: It’s all in the mix. Can’t nobody mix it like Gail.
You can find me on most Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00pm at Market Day on Broadway in Columbus, Georgia. I have a fun and friendly booth located in front of “Salt Life Store,” located in the 1100 block.
Also, sold in Bluebell Home Decoration and Gifts, 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus, Georgia 31904
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First, I am grateful to God for giving me the gift to create a mix that brings joy to so many people. My step-son Lendon Alexander Esquire, who has passed away, helped create my coffee labels, and he was my biggest cheerleader. Family and friends gave encouragement and supported me with things like labeling and packaging my product. A family member helped me with the name of my company.
Pricing:
- Regular Blend or Hot Chocolate: coffee cream and sugar – $2.00 per pack
- Flavored Coffees, Chai tea lattes – $3.00 per pack or 5 packs for $14.00
- Specialty Blends – $3.00 per pack (upon request)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1246 Bunker Ridge Ln
- Website: www.Market.DLSH.com/booth/gails-perfect-cup/
- Phone: 706-577-6358
- Email: gailsperfectcup1@yahoo.com
- Facebook: Gail”s Perfect Cup
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