Today we’d like to introduce you to Annika Van Nest.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I believe that my generation needs Jesus and that He meets us where we’re at. He leaves the 99 to chase the one. So, if we are a generation that spends so much time in coffee shops or yoga studios, Jesus will meet us here too! This idea is the ultimate backbone of the mission for The Prickly Pear. We exist to make Him known.
Growing up with entrepreneur parents, I always knew that I wanted to dream big and start something of my own. This dream ultimately developed into the vision of a multi-faceted storefront. This space would combine three of my favorite things; coffee, yoga, and Jesus! My dream space will offer unique espresso drinks & welcome in the quiet studiers, teach various exercise classes that will challenge the latest trends, and host bible studies that will foster a life-giving community. This business will also be a hybrid non-profit model, meaning that we will be in our city, for our city. I pray that this space is one that anyone and everyone can walk into, and feel loved and seen.
When COVID-19 hit Minnesota, I was a senior at Minnetonka High School. Life got put on pause, and my schedule no longer consisted of prom and graduation plans. As the three months of the COVID-19 lockdown gnawed at me to do something creative, I somehow stumbled upon the idea of a mobile espresso bar. I had worked at a local coffee and wine bar and missed my daily routine of crafting unique espresso drinks. Upon sharing this crazy dream with a few people close to me, it was ultimately decided that this could be an amazing brand-building precursor to The Prickly Pear studio that I have been dreaming of.
Over the last two years, a lot has changed since this quarantine kitchen dream. I moved to Nashville to pursue a degree and took this little mobile espresso bar with me. We have since come out with our blended coffee roast, hosted yoga events, and served over 30 events, everything from weddings, and fundraisers to corporate events!
In taking business classes at Minnetonka High School, working at a local coffee and wine bar, and collaborating with so many locally owned businesses, this little quarantine passion project has gone farther than I ever could have imagined! I am so grateful for the resources and blessings to be able to do something creative to glorify Jesus. I am blown away by the amount of support and bookings that have come in these first few years. I am so excited to continue to learn and improve as we go and see what else the Lord has in store for this little dream of mine! I’m sure there will one day be a Prickly Pear Coffee space in Minnesota, my roots! Thank you for supporting small!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting an events-based business at the peak of a pandemic that put all events on hold was obviously a challenge! Nonetheless, we got creative! In the first few months after launching, we partnered with a local boutique and would host drive-up events. Customers could order their clothes and goodies online for store pickup, and grab a coffee drink on their outing!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Prickly Pear Coffee?
Our unique coffee drinks are made ready to order, crafted with our custom roasted beans. Our seasonal specialties change every few months, while also serving the fan-favorite classics. Our mobile espresso bar can pop up anywhere, and serves a multitude of events! From weddings to corporate events, the coffee bar is a great addition to any event!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the community of business owners and the opportunity that this city provides! I don’t like the cold and crazy snow… it lasts too long!
Contact Info:
- Email: akvn@pricklypearcoffee.com
- Website: pricklypearcoffee.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/pricklypearcoffee
- Facebook: facebook.com/pricklypearcoffeenash/
Image Credits
Julia Barden
Morgan Woodson
