Meet Brittany McCoy

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

Hi Brittany, what are you inspired by?
Young entrepreneurs that are go getters and operate scared. What inspires me most are young entrepreneurs who are true go-getters—people who chase after their goals with relentless drive, even when they’re scared. I find so much motivation in watching others step into the unknown, operating from a place of both courage and vulnerability. It’s not the absence of fear that makes them inspiring, but their ability to keep moving forward despite it. That mindset reminds me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort, and that the best opportunities are often hidden on the other side of risk. Their grit, creativity, and willingness to bet on themselves fuel my own drive to keep pushing boundaries and chasing bigger dreams.

I am also deeply inspired by the coffee community itself. While it can sometimes feel like there are gatekeepers who make the industry intimidating, there is also a vast and beautiful side of the community made up of people who want nothing more than to help, support, and educate. I love the generosity of knowledge-sharing, the way baristas, roasters, and producers lift each other up, and the collaborative spirit that keeps this industry alive. That openness—people giving their time, their insight, and their encouragement—reminds me that coffee is bigger than just a product; it’s a community built on connection, trust, and passion.

Together, these two sources of inspiration—the fearless energy of entrepreneurs and the collaborative spirit of coffee people—motivate me to keep showing up with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to grow. They remind me that success isn’t a solo journey, but something that thrives on courage, community, and the belief that we’re all capable of more than we imagine.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worked in the coffee industry for over 20 years, and during that time my curiosity and love for every aspect of coffee—from the farm to the roasting process—only grew stronger. But finding my place in these roles wasn’t always easy. As a woman in a very male-dominated industry, I often found myself on the sidelines—allowed to observe, but rarely given the chance to truly learn under someone’s guidance or gain the hands-on experience needed to move forward.

My professional background was actually in tech sales and support, while coffee was always my second job. Like many people in this industry, I didn’t do it for the paycheck (since the coffee world isn’t known for high salaries), but for the passion and community it brought me. When the tech company I worked for went bankrupt, I found myself back in DFW, close to family, and trying to figure out what came next.

Through my coffee-focused Instagram page, I stayed connected to the community—sharing job posts, events, and opportunities with others. One day, I reshared a post about a head roaster position. It mentioned no experience was required, and while it felt out of reach for me, I shared it anyway. The company reached out to thank me, and I half-jokingly mentioned that I wished I could apply but it was too far away. To my surprise, they told me their roastery was actually based in Arlington, where I lived. That same week I found myself on a video call with the three owners of Forest Flame Coffee from El Salvador. What started as an interview quickly became a conversation about family, the farms, and their vision. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just considered for the role—I was part of the team.

Today, I serve as the self-titled Coffee Director at Forest Flame Coffee, where I wear many hats beyond roasting. What I’m most proud of is being able to help bridge the gap between producers and consumers, bringing attention to the people and the hard work behind every bag.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that passion, persistence, and community matter so much more than a “perfect” path. I want people to know that Forest Flame is not just a brand, but a story rooted in El Salvador, built on relationships, and carried forward with heart. And personally, I want others—especially women in this industry—to know that even if the doors don’t open right away, there’s always a way to create your own path forward.

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 was visiting, I’d definitely want them to experience the mix of good food, coffee culture, and local gems that make this area special.

Day 1: We’d kick things off with some amazing barbecue at Panther City BBQ with a little Mexican flare, because nothing says welcome to Texas like great BBQ.

Day 2: Coffee is always part of the plan—so we’d make a stop at Cherry Coffee to fuel up before heading out to explore the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Dinner that night would be at Maggie’s R&R for some true comfort food.

Day 3: For a more laid-back day, we’d visit the Dallas Zoo in the morning, then grab lunch at Taco City Y Mas. The evening would be spent hanging out at Mother’s House or The Kava Bar, where the vibes are always fun and easygoing.

Day 4: We’d spend time in the Tin District, checking out the art and creative spaces. Afterward, a stop at Hopdoddy for burgers and drinks would be perfect.

Day 5: A casual day with burgers at Herby’s for lunch, then hanging out at Common Good or catching live music at Velcro Kid in the evening.

Day 6: A little road trip to Downtown McKinney—walking around the square, exploring local shops, and soaking in the charm of the area.

Day 7: To wrap up the trip, we’d go back to Trompo Rrey for some of the best tacos around, and spend the evening catching up and just enjoying time together over good food and drinks.

For me, the best part is the mix of community-driven coffee shops, incredible food, and local spots that really give you a taste of Dallas and the surrounding area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shout out to a few incredible people who have played such an important role in my journey. First, to Marisa Zapata and Katherine Morris, whose endless support has lifted me up through every stage. Their encouragement has reminded me that even in the toughest moments, I’m never walking this path alone.
To Rodrigo Giammattei, I am beyond grateful for your mentorship, guidance, and willingness to share your knowledge so openly. Your insight and generosity have not only shaped the way I see coffee but also the way I carry myself as a professional and as a person.

And of course, to the **many others—too many to name—**who have poured into me along the way. Every conversation, every gesture of encouragement, every shared laugh or word of wisdom has been fuel to keep going. The belief that my community has in me has often been the spark I needed to take the next step, even when I doubted myself.

I truly wouldn’t be here without this circle of support. My journey is not mine alone—it’s a reflection of all the incredible people who have poured into me, stood by me, and pushed me forward when I needed it most.

Website: https://www.forestflamecoffee.com

Instagram: @forestflamecoffee @ustreamcoffee

Facebook: /forestflamecoffee