Meet Annika Baylis

We were lucky to catch up with Annika Baylis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Annika, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

In all aspects of life, my purpose alone is in Jesus! At Prickly Pear Coffee Co. specifically, it means that this business is my ministry! In Colossians 3:23, we’re reminded, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Every action you take—whether it’s brewing coffee, cleaning, serving, or talking with a customer—can be done as an offering to God. My work, no matter how “mundane” it may feel, is an opportunity to honor God. When I approach it with the mindset that it is for Jesus, I find purpose in every task because I am doing it as part of my calling!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I could write a whole book (+ honestly hope to some day do that) about the story behind PPCC. But for lack of space on a webpage, here’s the short version:

I believe that my generation needs Jesus. I believe that He meets us where we’re at. That He leaves the 99 to chase the one. So, if we are a generation that spends so much time in coffee shops, Jesus will meet us here too! This idea is the ultimate backbone and mission of Prickly Pear Coffee Co. This is “coffee ministry,” as I like to call it! It’s not necessarily sharing the gospel every time we serve a cup, but rather, being a place where customers would feel welcomed + seen, each time they encounter our brand. A place that build relationships and allows us to do life alongside all types of people.

I have always dreamed about opening a Christ-centered coffee shop, because coffee brings people together, sparks conversation, and overall there is just something so joyous about local coffee shops! As the months of the Covid pandemic lockdown gnawed at me to do something creative, I stumbled upon the idea of a mobile espresso bar. When sharing this idea with a few people close to me, I ultimately decided that this could be an amazing brand-building precursor to the shop that I have dreamed of opening. From there, we kept growing, the Lord kept opening doors I could never have dreamed of, and now, Prickly Pear Coffee Co. exists as a mobile catering cart and 2 brick + mortar coffee shops in Nashville, Tennessee.

While being an entrepreneur, I also earned a college degree in entrepreneurship. I am so excited to continue to learn as we grow, and encounter all that the Lord has in store for this little dream of mine! We are just getting started + look forward to expanding Prickly Pear Coffee Co.!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are so many qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been impactful in my journey as an entrepreneur. However, if I had to narrow it down, a few stand out.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that imposter syndrome never truly goes away—it just becomes something you learn to manage and use for good. In the early stages of my journey, I often struggled with feelings of self-doubt and fear of not being “enough.” But I’ve come to see that these feelings can either hold you back or fuel your growth. Instead of letting imposter syndrome turn into fear or paralysis, I learned to channel it into resilience and motivation. When I felt uncertain, I reminded myself, *”I may not know everything, but I am committed to learning.”* This mindset allowed me to stay focused on progress and growth, rather than perfection. If you feel like an imposter, don’t be afraid of those emotions. Embrace them, and use them to push yourself to grow and challenge your assumptions. Everyone feels this way at some point—what matters is how you respond to it.

Another key lesson I’ve learned is that the success or failure of your business does not define your worth. It’s easy to become consumed by your work, especially as an entrepreneur, but it’s vital to draw a line between your identity as a business owner and your identity as a person. I found that maintaining a healthy work-life balance was not just about managing time but about understanding that my value isn’t tied to business outcomes. This has been crucial for maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout. When I started to separate myself from the ups and downs of my business, I felt more at peace and able to bring my best self to work. Remember that your business does not define you. Find space to nurture yourself outside of work—whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or taking care of your mental health. This balance will make you a more effective and sustainable entrepreneur.

Finally, one of the best things I’ve learned is to prioritize what fills my cup. Entrepreneurship can be exhausting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the constant grind. But the most sustainable way to keep going is by finding and doing things that recharge you. For me, it’s a mix of personal time with loved ones, physical activity, and creative outlets that give me the energy to return to work with a fresh perspective. It’s not just about managing work and life—it’s about nourishing your soul in ways that keep you inspired. Identify what makes you feel rejuvenated and make time for it. It might be as simple as reading a good book, taking a walk, or catching up with a friend. Make sure that this is a priority, because taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success.

In summary, overcoming imposter syndrome, maintaining a sense of self-worth outside of business success, and prioritizing activities that recharge you are foundational to a successful and sustainable entrepreneurial journey. My advice is to focus on building resilience, learning to say “no” to unnecessary pressure, and always remembering that your worth is not determined by your business outcomes. It’s a journey, and the key is to grow through it, not just succeed at it.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has played a significant role in my development is *How I Built This* by Guy Raz. I love this book so much that I make it a point to re-read it once a year because I feel like I can never fully absorb all the wisdom it has to offer in just one read.

The book, which complements Guy Raz’s podcast of the same name, shares the stories of various entrepreneurs—their backgrounds, the challenges they faced, the mistakes they made, and how they ultimately built successful companies. For anyone in the entrepreneurial world, especially those just starting out, it’s a treasure trove of inspiration and practical insight.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pricklypearcoffee.com
• Instagram: @pricklypearcoffeeco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-van-nest-baylis-a3a569180/

Image Credits

Studio Tonic, Celeina Hillen, Summer Lowe, Holan Brett