In this special episode of Built To Last, host Elaine Welteroth continues to shed a light on pioneering Black entrepreneurs of our past and present, honoring Black History Month. Elaine chats with Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, founders of the Inglewood, CA coffee shop, Sip & Sonder, about the importance of serving their community, finding joy in the journey and taking up space amidst a pandemic. Honoring the legacy of the woman who laid the foundation for coffee houses like Sip & Sonder, writer, producer, host, and content queen Danielle Young narrates the story of Rose Nicaud. Rose is regarded as the first coffee vendor in New Orleans who in the 1800’s bought her freedom by selling her famous café au lait at the popular French Market. The story of Rose Nicaud is illustrated by Lo Harris. To learn more about the small business featured in today’s episode, visit www.sipandsonder.com. Also, make sure to follow Sip & Sonder on Instagram @sipandsonder. Continue the conversation by reaching out to us @americanexpress on social media or by using #AmexBuiltToLast. Relevant Sources: https://www.nola.com/300/article_868c404b-68ca-5683-81f0-cfe01ebb1806.html https://www.caferosenicaud.com/our-roots https://www.neworleansbar.org/uploads/files/Coffee%20With%20Chicory%20Part%202%2012_10_18.pdf https://www.sipandsonder.com/ https://blacksouthernbelle.com/les-vendeuses-of-the-french-quarter-women-who-sold-food-for-freedom/ Listen to the podcast on the following platforms, or wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/59EBMJY... Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/built-t-o-last Subscribe to the Amex YouTube Channel: null TIMECODES: 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Danielle Young Background 1:40 - Legacy of Rose Nicaud 4:59 - Introduction of Amanda-Jane Thomas & Shanita Nicholas 5:28 - Parallel Between Rose Nicaud and Sip & Sonder 8:38 - The Journey to Become The First Specialty Coffee Shop in Inglewood, California 12:44 - Creating the Sip & Sonder Customer Experience 15:23 - Challenges Faced Due to COVID-19 20:47 - Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur 24:58 - Using Your Business as a Platform for the Community 29:00 - Their Role in the Community for Social Justice 33:48 - The Legacy of Sip & Sonder 37:20 - The Story Behind Sip & Sonder 38:47 - Black-Owned Small Businesses to Support 40:57 - Learnings from This Episode 41:43 - Elaine Welteroth Closing Remarks About the Podcast: In the debut season of Built to Last, we dive into the stories, history and continued legacy of small businesses that shape American culture. Hosted by Elaine Welteroth, New York Times best-selling author, journalist, producer and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, the podcast features in-depth interviews with Black-owned small business owners who are thriving despite the challenges they face. Each episode honors the trailblazing Black entrepreneurs that paved the way for the business leaders of today. These conversations uncover and celebrate the stories, past and present, of Black entrepreneurship in America – and seek to inspire listeners to support Black-owned small businesses in their communities. About American Express: American Express is a global service company, providing customers with exceptional access to charge and credit cards, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Get up close to the passionate lives of rising artists, a new wave of entrepreneurs, and everyday people. Join us for everyday inspiration on the official American Express YouTube channel. More from American Express! Website: https://www.americanexpress.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanexpress/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressUS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmericanExpress #AmexBuiltToLast #ShopSmall #AmericanExpress