Meet Dayshawn Nellon | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dayshawn Nellon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dayshawn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is a part of who I am and how I move through both life and business. I put my last savings into Coffee Bae because I believe in this vision, and I don’t treat it like a side hustle — it is my career, my main focus, and the foundation of the brand I’m building. That decision is a risk, but it keeps me fully invested and intentional every day.

When I think about risk, I see it as positioning. Every step I take with Coffee Bae is about setting us up for the future. Buying a trailer, for example, is a major investment, but it shifts us away from depending on markets and puts us in the lane I want us to own: weddings, brand activations, and private events. Those are spaces where Coffee Bae can stand out as a premium, luxury experience, not just another vendor in a lineup.

To me, risk isn’t about recklessness — it’s about strategy, faith, and resilience. I weigh the potential reward, I prepare as much as I can, and then I move forward with confidence. Without risk, Coffee Bae doesn’t grow into the strong, sustainable brand we’re becoming. Taking risks pushes me to lead boldly, build with intention, and trust myself in the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Coffee Bae is more than just a coffee cart — it’s a luxury, full-service coffee and matcha catering company built on culture, connection, and creating unforgettable experiences. Our tagline is Your Daily Obsession, and we live up to that by making every interaction with our brand feel intentional, luxe, and memorable.

One thing that sets us apart in the DFW area is our innovation. As far as I know, Coffee Bae is the only mobile coffee company offering black matcha. It’s bold, it’s rare, and it keeps people talking. That uniqueness — combined with our handcrafted drinks, aesthetic presentation, and elevated service — makes us a brand guests don’t just experience once, but obsess over.

I’m most proud of how Coffee Bae is carving out its own lane. We started small with markets, but I made the decision to pivot into weddings, brand activations, and private events because that’s where we can deliver the most impact. It hasn’t been easy. I put my last savings into this business, and without a traditional safety net, every move is high stakes. But those risks — like investing in a trailer to expand our reach — are what position us as a premium brand for the future.

Getting here requires resilience, faith, and consistency. There are challenges, but I’ve learned that vision, community, and courage matter more than anything else. Coffee Bae is not just about serving coffee and matcha — it’s about creating a culture, elevating experiences, and leaving a lasting impression. Our story is still being written, but at every step, we’re building something worth obsessing over.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend comes to DFW for a week, I’m showing them a mix of culture, community, and good vibes — and we’re keeping it rooted in Black-owned spots whenever possible.

We’d start with a brunch at a Black-owned restaurant — because brunch is a must. From there, we’d spend some time supporting local shops, and if it’s October, we’d head up to The Brown Thumb in Denton for flowers and to soak up the spooky energy Denton is known for. Denton has such a unique vibe in the fall, with fairs, live music, and a quirky downtown that’s perfect for exploring.

We’d also stop by Sweet Shop in Highland Village to satisfy the sweet tooth, because no trip is complete without dessert. At night, we’d keep it fun and relaxed — maybe a karaoke bingo night at City Works in Frisco or The Frisco Bar. Nothing beats a little off-key singing and some laughs with friends.

Food-wise, I have to include Korean BBQ in Carrollton’s Koreatown. It’s one of my favorite ways to hang out — cooking at the table, talking, and just enjoying the experience.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure we tapped into the community — checking out Black-owned cafes, shops, and spaces that are creating culture in DFW. And of course, one stop would have to be Coffee Bae, because if you’re visiting me, you’ve got to experience Your Daily Obsession firsthand — whether it’s one of our signature cold brews or our one-of-a-kind black matcha.

For me, the best time isn’t about rushing around to see everything — it’s about creating moments, eating good food, laughing loud, and supporting the people and places that make this area special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely. First and foremost, I give all glory to God — I know I wouldn’t be here without His guidance and grace. My biggest shoutout also goes to my daughter. She’s the reason I even stepped into coffee in the first place. It was her brilliant idea for me to start working at Starbucks, and that step opened the door for everything else — from launching The Brewed Collective, to building Sour Sister Coffee Company with my sister, and now growing Coffee Bae into a full-service luxury catering brand.

I also have to recognize my family. They’ve been my backbone — encouraging me, showing up for me, and keeping me grounded through every high and low of this journey. And I want to give a special shoutout to Marion Small, the owner of Black Enigma. He’s not just a consultant — he’s been a mentor and a guide, helping me navigate the business side of things with wisdom and strategy.

All of these people and influences play a huge part in my story. Coffee Bae might be my vision, but it’s built on the support, love, and encouragement I’ve received from my circle.

Website: https://www.thebrewed-collective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkcoffeebae

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkcoffeebae

Other: https://TikTok.com/drinkcoffeebae

Image Credits
Sophia Isabel Garcia & Peyton Najera Dayshawn Nellon