Claudia Shivers has transformed her life and community through determination and resilience, emerging as the proud owner of Queen Coffee Bean, a flourishing coffee shop in High Point, North Carolina.
At 49, Shivers has turned past challenges into a successful entrepreneurial journey, creating a welcoming space that reflects the warmth of her grandmother Queen Esther’s kitchen.
After facing significant barriers to stable employment due to her criminal record, Shivers found herself at a crossroads following her release from prison in 2020.
Despite working a 4 a.m. shift at Starbucks, she realized she was meant for more. With limited options and an unwavering spirit, she took a bold step into entrepreneurship, launching Queen Coffee Bean in August 2020.
Starting with modest resources, Shivers began roasting coffee beans using a popcorn maker, driven by a passion to build something of her own.
Today, Queen Coffee Bean is a thriving establishment, generating around $2,500 in monthly revenue, offering customers unique espresso flavors like Ethiopian cinnamon buttercream and chocolate cherry in a cozy, community-centered atmosphere.
Her goal is to recreate the comfort of home with each cup of coffee she serves, inviting customers to linger over board games and meaningful conversations.
Shivers’ success is a testament to the power of resilience and community support. Recognizing the challenges faced by many formerly incarcerated individuals, she enrolled in the Inmates to Entrepreneurs program, a nonprofit organization that provides business training to those with criminal records.
Through the program’s eight-week course, Shivers gained essential skills in sales, marketing, accounting, and customer service, helping her craft a solid business plan and build the confidence needed to grow her venture.
Not only has Shivers scaled her business from selling roasted coffee beans to opening a brick-and-mortar shop, but she also serves on the board of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, mentoring others who are looking to start their own businesses. Her story is a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar obstacles, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, success is possible.
Queen Coffee Bean is strategically located in a low-income neighborhood in High Point, where Shivers sees an opportunity to provide jobs and create a sense of belonging in an underserved area. As her business continues to grow, Shivers remains committed to her mission of spreading love—through coffee, community, and care.
“The foundation of everything we do is love: you’re gonna love this drink, you’ve gotta love yourself, and you’ve gotta love other people,” Shivers says, reflecting the heart and soul of her journey from incarceration to entrepreneurial success.
