By: Alexandra Perez
In the aromatic world of coffee, it’s rare to find a brand that stands out not just for the flavor of its beans but for the story it tells. Yet Carrie Beavers has done just that with Soldier Girl Coffee—a veteran-owned, mission-driven brand rooted in resilience, authenticity, and hope. Behind every bag of beans lies a powerful narrative of trauma, transformation, and purpose.
Brewing Strength from Struggle
Beavers’ journey into the coffee industry wasn’t planned—it was born from a moment of deep personal reckoning. In 2019, she filed a VA claim for PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST), which unearthed long-buried emotions. “I was at a crossroads,” she recalls. “It was a moment where I had to confront everything I had been suppressing.”
That confrontation led her to an online veterans’ support group, where the stories of others helped her feel less alone. “Hearing their stories made me realize I wasn’t alone,” she shares. That realization sparked a fire in her to create something meaningful—not just for herself, but for other veterans struggling to find purpose after service.
The Birth of Soldier Girl Coffee
While serving on a veterans’ crisis team and participating in a veteran business mentorship program, Beavers began to envision a venture that could combine entrepreneurship with impact. “I wanted to create something more than a business,” she explains. “I wanted to build a community where veterans could feel seen, heard, and supported.”
That vision gave rise to Soldier Girl Coffee, a brand that stands for more than just great coffee. It’s a symbol of veteran resilience, female entrepreneurship, and the healing power of connection.
Military Discipline Meets Entrepreneurial Drive
Beavers’ military background is evident in the structure and discipline that define her business. From navigating the volatile landscape of coffee production costs to building brand awareness in a competitive space, she approaches each challenge head-on. “The military taught me how to face challenges directly,” she says.
One of the brand’s standout elements is its bold and edgy humor, a direct reflection of Beavers’ personality and her military roots. “Veterans get it,” she laughs. “That dark humor helped us survive the tough times. And my customers love it because it’s real.” That authenticity has become a cornerstone of her branding and a key reason why her audience connects so deeply with her story.
Building a Brand with Purpose
Beavers has used social media as a tool to share not just her product but her journey. Her raw honesty, paired with engaging storytelling, allows customers to see more than just a business—they see a mission. “If you’re not using social media, you’re missing out on connecting with people who want to support you,” she emphasizes.
But the mission goes far beyond marketing. Soldier Girl Coffee is committed to sustainable sourcing, holding Rainforest Alliance certification and utilizing on-site hydropower and biomass furnaces. “Sustainability is about more than just feeling good,” Beavers notes. “It directly impacts the quality of our coffee and the future of the land we rely on.”
Challenging Stereotypes and Inspiring Change
Beavers is passionate about changing perceptions—of coffee, of veterans, and of what it means to be a female entrepreneur. She famously appeared in a Discovery Channel commercial that challenged gender and veteran stereotypes, showcasing the diversity within the military community. “I want people to see that veterans are diverse—we’re not one-size-fits-all,” she states.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop with her own platform. Beavers supports veteran nonprofits, partners with veteran-owned businesses, and uses her influence to lift others up. “It’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about the community we’re building together.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For women veterans transitioning into civilian life, Beavers offers advice grounded in real-world experience. “Use what you learned in the military—it’s your greatest asset,” she says. But she also stresses the importance of planning and mentorship. “Have a clear business plan, know your ‘why,’ and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Beavers attributes much of her success to the veteran business community and mentorship programs that helped her gain confidence and clarity. Her message to fellow veterans is clear: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this alone.
Every Cup Tells a Story
Today, Soldier Girl Coffee is more than a brand—it’s a movement. Through her dedication to quality, sustainability, and community, Beavers has created a space where veterans and civilians alike can come together over a shared mission. “Every cup tells a story,” she says. “It’s a story of finding purpose and connection in the most unexpected places.”
Whether she’s fundraising for a cause, appearing on national television, or fulfilling online orders, Beavers continues to prove that business can be both profitable and purposeful. Her journey reminds us that coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a tool for change.
Brewing a Legacy
In a world where coffee is often just another commodity, Carrie Beavers is redefining what a coffee brand can be. Soldier Girl Coffee represents the power of resilience, authenticity, and mission-led entrepreneurship. With each sip, customers aren’t just tasting premium beans—they’re investing in a message of strength, hope, and transformation.
Carrie Beavers’ journey from military trauma to entrepreneurial triumph is a powerful reminder that healing and growth can start with something as simple—and as meaningful—as a cup of coffee.
Published by Joseph T.
