Meet Cody V

We recently connected with Cody V and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

We work harder than anyone else. Every time we hit a roadblock or heard a “no,” we found a way to turn it into a “yes.” Challenges only made us more determined, and we never stopped pushing forward.

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

We’re a small, independent coffee and donut shop built on passion, creativity, and community. What makes us different? Every single thing we serve—from our pastries to our coffee—is made from scratch daily, with care and intention.

But for us, it’s about more than just great coffee and donuts. We wanted to create a space where people genuinely want to hang out—a place that feels like home. We love what we do, and nothing excites us more than crafting new flavors and ideas to surprise and delight everyone who walks through our doors.

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?

Self-Starting, Problem-Solving & Building Connections

Starting a business is no easy feat, but one thing we’ve learned? You don’t have to do it alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and tap into your network—whether it’s learning about lease terms, finding the right suppliers, or navigating the challenges that come with running a business. The right connections can make all the difference.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. From struggling to find a bank that believed in our vision to tackling endless buildout challenges and perfecting our coffee and donut recipes, the road was anything but smooth. But through every obstacle, we leaned on each other, kept pushing forward, and turned Blackline into what it is today.

We’ve learned more lessons than we can count, but the biggest one? Keep going. Keep creating. Keep believing. Even when things get tough—because the best things are always worth the fight.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

We’re always on the lookout for local businesses to team up with! As a small business ourselves, we know how important it is to support and uplift each other. Whether it’s supplying coffee and pastries or simply sharing advice, we love finding ways to collaborate and help fellow entrepreneurs on their journey. Let’s grow together—reach out and let’s make something awesome happen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blacklinecoffeedonuts.com
• Instagram: @blacklinecoffeedonuts