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Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? That’s right: from March 1-31, be sure to celebrate the women in your life and all the amazing things they do.
One area in which women have excelled in recent years is in the entrepreneurship space. Did you know that in the U.S., women own 40% of businesses? Plus, there are 114% more women entrepreneurs today than there were 20 years ago. As women increasingly follow their dreams, they are making a huge impact on the business world.
In the new movie “Coffee Wars,” the lead character Jo, played by singer and actress Kate Nash (“Glow”), is an illuminating example of a strong woman entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to stand up for her beliefs in business.
Who Is Jo in “Coffee Wars”?
In “Coffee Wars,” vegan barista and coffee shop entrepreneur Jo, ironically, is the child of dairy and cow farmers. When she’s a child, her best friend was a cow. But sadly, one day, her parents slaughtered the cow and ate it for dinner. It’s then that Jo decided she was never going to eat animals or consume any animal byproducts again. It’s just too sad. Plus, it’s bad for the environment and her health.
When Jo grows up, she opens up a bustling vegan coffee shop. The opening scene shows us exactly who Jo is: a green-haired, unapologetic vegan who’s willing to put everything on the line if it means sticking to her values. This may mean that she ends up giving a lecture to a customer who requests dairy milk. She might not appeal to people who want whole milk, but she abides by her principles, no matter what.
Nash brings to life the character of Jo, who bravely and with determination establishes a business centered on her passion and vision for a more humane world. In the film, Jo does what it takes to save her business, including entering an international barista competition with her almond milk latte. It’s unconventional – the other contestants use dairy milk – but she is more than confident that she’ll win. Her goal is not only to snag the cash prize to save her business, but also to show the world that plant-based milk is just as good, if not better than, regular milk.
Being Like Jo in Your Business
Women entrepreneurs can learn a lot from Jo, brilliantly played by the vibrant Nash. Even in the face of adversity, you can’t give up on what you believe in. Instead, that’s when it’s time to double down. The world may tell you “no,” but it’s up to you to turn that into a “yes.” People are always going to doubt visionaries like Jo. If you’re doing something different and people are trying to stop you from getting ahead, hint hint: that means you’re doing something right.
This Women’s History Month, take a lesson or two from Jo in “Coffee Wars” and stay true to yourself no matter what. It will pay off in ways you could never imagine.
