Hidden Gems: Meet Danielle + Travis Pinnock of The CuppaBrew Coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle + Travis Pinnock.

Danielle + Travis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We’re Danielle Pinnock(Skeen) and Travis Pinnock — partners in life, purpose, and entrepreneurship. Our story is one of love, legacy, and a shared commitment to creating impact that reaches far beyond ourselves.

Both of us trace our roots to the tiny island of Jamaica, where community, culture, and connection are woven into daily life — often over a cup of rich, smooth Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee or tea. For us, coffee has always symbolized more than a beverage; it’s a reminder of home, heritage, and hard work.

Before launching The CuppaBrew Coffee Co., we each forged meaningful professional paths. Danielle has spent over a decade in technology and advertising, now serving as a senior leader at Microsoft, helping to shape the future of retail media and AI innovation. Her passion for mentorship and social impact also led her to found The Star Boutique, a nonprofit organization that has empowered hundreds of underserved youth through mentorship, empowerment, and community engagement.

Travis brings a background in environmental science and engineering, specializing in health, safety, and compliance. His career has been dedicated to protecting people and the planet — values that now deeply influence The CuppaBrew’s commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and integrity in every process.

Together, we founded The CuppaBrew Coffee Co. with a mission to make authentic, premium Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee accessible while honoring the farmers and families who cultivate it. A portion of our proceeds supports educational and community programs in Jamaica, allowing us to give back to the island that shaped us.

As a couple, we love to travel — exploring new cultures, flavors, and stories that fuel both our creativity and connection. That global lens inspires The CuppaBrew’s next evolution: blending technology and community through an interactive experience where customers can scan a QR code on our packaging to trace their coffee’s journey — meeting the farmers, learning their stories, and even tipping them directly. As well as introducing new blends of coffee from unique parts of the world.

Our journey has been one of faith, perseverance, and purpose. What began as a kitchen-table dream after a tough conversation with a coffee farmer, has grown into a movement rooted in culture, sustainability, and love. For us, this isn’t just about coffee — it’s about legacy, connection, and creating something that uplifts everyone it touches.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — but every challenge has shaped who we are and strengthened our mission.

The CuppaBrew Coffee Co. has been a labor of love from day one. We bootstrapped everything — from branding and packaging to fulfillment and marketing — without external funding. Every decision was strategic and often personal, fueled by determination, late nights, and a shared belief in what we were building.

Balancing a growing business while both working in demanding, full-time careers hasn’t been easy. Danielle’s role in the tech industry and Travis’s work in environmental health and safety require focus and precision — and yet, we found ourselves learning supply chains and shipping logistics on weekends and coffee roasting profiles after midnight.

To add to the beautiful chaos, we welcomed our baby just days before officially launching The CuppaBrew. Becoming new parents while launching a brand taught us the true meaning of balance, grace, and perseverance. There were moments of exhaustion, but also moments of profound clarity — reminders that we were building something that would one day be part of our family’s legacy.

More recently, international tariffs have caused our import costs to rise significantly, posing new challenges for a small, self-funded business like ours. But as with every obstacle, we’ve approached it with creativity and resilience — seeking partnerships, optimizing operations, and staying committed to ensuring our customers can still enjoy premium Jamaican coffee at a fair price.

The road has been anything but smooth, but it’s been meaningful. Every struggle has reminded us that purpose rarely comes easy — and that the most rewarding paths are often the ones paved with persistence, faith, and love.

As you know, we’re big fans of The CuppaBrew Coffee. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The CuppaBrew Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee brand — it’s a bridge between heritage and innovation, connecting coffee lovers worldwide to the heart of Jamaica.

We specialize in authentic, 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee — one of the rarest and most celebrated coffees in the world. Known for its smooth, rich flavor and low acidity, it’s often called the “Champagne of Coffee.” What sets The CuppaBrew apart is our commitment to accessibility, authenticity, and community. We’re intentional about making this luxury coffee experience attainable without compromising quality or integrity.

Every batch of CuppaBrew coffee is ethically sourced from local Jamaican farmers who have cultivated their craft for generations. We’re proud to work directly with these farmers to ensure fair partnerships and give back through educational and community initiatives that strengthen local families.

What truly distinguishes us, though, is how we merge culture with technology. We’re currently building an interactive experience where customers can scan a QR code on our packaging to trace their coffee’s journey — from the mountains where it’s grown to the hands that harvest it. Through this, coffee lovers can meet their farmers, learn their stories, and even tip them directly — creating a digital bridge between consumer and creator.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of staying true to our roots while building something modern, inclusive, and purpose-driven. From our premium packaging to our “From Ground to Ground” slogan, every detail reflects our belief that coffee can be both luxurious and deeply meaningful.

We want readers to know that The CuppaBrew isn’t just about what’s in your cup — it’s about connection, culture, and contribution. With every sip, you’re supporting real people, real families, and a shared dream that began in the mountains of Jamaica and continues to grow across the world.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Danielle:
As a child Danielle was very precarious and outgoing. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised middle-class, education was a priority and focus area. Danielle was an A student and took to the performing arts, specifically dance and drama. At age 3 her parents separated and at age 8 she migrated to the United States with her mother, aunt and cousin. For most of her elementary a middle school years they all lived together. Being raised by a single mother in a house filled with women taught her early that women could do anything! Danielle loved being the center of attention and would entertain her family at functions and gatherings. From singing, dancing and telling jokes she loved brining joy.

Travis:
With humble beginnings in the countryside of Jamaica, Travis was a quiet and respectful child who valued and respected family. He enjoyed drawing and shared a dream with his best friend of become the best architects on the island. Farming was a way of life and family values ran deep. Travis always believed in the power of perseverance. His journey took a pivotal turn when he migrated to New York to live with his father, stepmother, and brothers as a teenager. Adjusting to life in a bustling city came with its challenges, but his stepmother’s unwavering encouragement to follow his heart and never give up helped shape the man he is today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecuppabrew.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuppabrew/