Jessica Taylor has high standards for her coffee: it must be bold, flavorful, and—most importantly—uplifting to her community. That ethos is the foundation of Ezra Coffee Company, known for its gourmet blends named after pivotal moments and figures in American history—from the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the legacy of Eugene Bullard, the first Black combat pilot.
“Our coffee is all about bringing history, culture and community into every cup,” said Taylor, whose love of coffee began in childhood, when she would bond with her grandfather over his morning brew. Each morning, she would watch him drink his coffee while reading the newspaper. This early memory gave her the inspiration to create a brand that combined coffee drinking with learning about the world.
“Each Ezra Coffee blend is crafted not just for taste, but to inspire conversation and a stronger connection to history,” she said.
Taylor and her younger sister both inherited their love of coffee from their grandfather, preferring it served extra creamy. It was when her sister developed allergies that made it hard for her to enjoy coffee that Taylor started experimenting with her own blends.
“She found out she was allergic to dairy, soy, and nuts—ingredients in most flavored coffees. So I set out to create a blend bold and rich enough to enjoy black,” Taylor recalled.
That blend sparked the beginning of Ezra Coffee, which Taylor launched in the Amazon store with a mission to make coffee more inclusive—and more meaningful. She credits Amazon’s small business resources for helping her bring that mission to life.
“The educational courses and services Amazon offers challenged us to think differently about how we operate and grow,” she said, adding that tools like Amazon A+ Content helped her forge a deeper connection with customers by allowing her to build robust product listings that reflect Ezra’s brand values.
Ezra’s momentum with Amazon has helped fuel its expansion into other major retailers, including H-E-B, Central Market, Bridge Street Market, and Target. Beyond retail success, Taylor is committed to giving back—offering scholarships for underrepresented students and mentoring young people at institutions such as Howard University, Spelman College, Southern Methodist University, and more.
Ezra also donates unsold product to local food banks, reducing waste and supporting those in need—part of a broader commitment to community service.
“These efforts empower individuals and strengthen communities,” Taylor says. “The impact goes far beyond the cup.”