A Passion for Coffee, A Purpose for Kindness
feeling welcomed, seen, and heard from farm to cup

My love for coffee:

"We started to have this dream of a really super coffee-focused business that was sourcing green coffee from the places it's produced, roasting it really well, and serving it in a super-intentional way that honored the work that came before."

My love for coffee:

"We started to have this dream of a really super coffee-focused business that was sourcing green coffee from the places it's produced, roasting it really well, and serving it in a super-intentional way that honored the work that came before."

Coffee Championships

“What I began to learn over the years was that what was important about these competitions was the voice they gave us in the industry…

Of course, we were working to promote our business, but we were also working on behalf of those whose voices were not present in competitions: producers, roasters, at times, women, and other minority cultures.

You have the attention of the thought leaders in the industry, and you have the opportunity to speak about social issues, production issues, and things you’d like to see changed.”

Coffee Championships

“What I began to learn over the years was that what was important about these competitions was the voice they gave us in the industry…

Of course, we were working to promote our business, but we were also working on behalf of those whose voices were not present in competitions: producers, roasters, at times, women, and other minority cultures.

You have the attention of the thought leaders in the industry, and you have the opportunity to speak about social issues, production issues, and things you’d like to see changed.”

The Coffee Championships have become a beacon of possibility, recognition, and perseverance for women, minorities, and the Onyx team. Winning the 2020 United States Barista championship was a significant accomplishment for Andrea Allen and Onyx, as it proved that they were doing something unique and special in the specialty coffee industry.
Andrea Allen and her husband Jon, co-owners of Onyx Coffee Lab, entered their first competition in 2014. Although Andrea placed 2nd to last, her competitive spirit was awakened, and she continued to participate year after year. She made it to the finals of the US Barista Competition five times, placing second three times and twice being the only female. In 2016, Andrea introduced naturally processed coffees to the competition, which garnered recognition and opened doors for her to become a leader in the industry.
Andrea discovered an incredible opportunity through her competition experiences – the chance to represent underrepresented groups like women, producers, and minorities. She also views these competitions as opportunities for her team at Onyx to grow, compete, and gain recognition. In 2022, two members of the Onyx team became champions. Morgan Eckroth and Elika Liftee  achieved first place in the U.S. Barista Championship and the U.S. Brewers Cup, and then both went on to claim 2nd at Worlds in their respective competitions. Andrea has become a beacon for the industry, inspiring others to pursue their passions.
“A journey to drive commerce and revenue to the woman working so hard to earn it by telling stories and showcasing excellence.”
“A journey to drive commerce and revenue to the woman working so hard to earn it by telling stories and showcasing excellence.”

Doyenne*, led by Andrea Allan, is a project that passionately celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the specialty coffee industry. While attending a coffee conference in Honduras, Andrea met female coffee producers from South America and was inspired by their stories of resilience, passion, excellence, and hard work.

As a woman in the industry, Andrea intimately understands the struggle for respect and legitimacy, and she hopes to use her platform to showcase and amplify the skills of other women.

DOYENNE:

/dɔɪˈen/ • French

A woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field.

Doyenne*, led by Andrea Allan, is a project that passionately celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the specialty coffee industry. While attending a coffee conference in Honduras, Andrea met female coffee producers from South America and was inspired by their stories of resilience, passion, excellence, and hard work.

As a woman in the industry, Andrea intimately understands the struggle for respect and legitimacy, and she hopes to use her platform to showcase and amplify the skills of other women.

DOYENNE:

/dɔɪˈen/ • French

A woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field.

“As a woman in the specialty coffee industry, I have had to fight for legitimacy and respect over the years; I have felt if I can use anything that I have gained to showcase other woman and their skills, perhaps we can all benefit from each other's drive and passion.”
“As a woman in the specialty coffee industry, I have had to fight for legitimacy and respect over the years; I have felt if I can use anything that I have gained to showcase other woman and their skills, perhaps we can all benefit from each other's drive and passion.”

To achieve this, she has launched a project called 'Doyenne,' featuring the world's best female coffee producers. Through this initiative, Andrea is driving commerce and revenue to the efforts of these women, who “fight so hard to earn it”.

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“The beautiful thing about coffee is that at every point in the supply chain, it’s moving through a person’s hand.”
Feeling welcome, seen, and heard.

Andrea Allen's unwavering passion for coffee is matched only by her deep appreciation for the hardworking individuals whose tireless efforts fuel the industry's supply chain.

“The beautiful thing about coffee is that at every point in the supply chain, it’s moving through a person’s hand.”

Having overcome numerous challenges in launching her own successful business, Andrea serves as an inspiring role model for all those in the specialty coffee sector. At Onyx, Andrea and her dedicated team are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive for everyone involved in the process, from farm to cup, ensuring that every individual welcomed, seen and heard.

Andrea Allen's unwavering passion for coffee is matched only by her deep appreciation for the hardworking individuals whose tireless efforts fuel the industry's supply chain.

Feeling welcome, seen, and heard.

Having overcome numerous challenges in launching her own successful business, Andrea serves as an inspiring role model for all those in the specialty coffee sector. At Onyx, Andrea and her dedicated team are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive for everyone involved in the process, from farm to cup, ensuring that every individual welcomed, seen and heard.