We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Whitney B. Hampton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Whitney B. below.
Whitney B., we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
“Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey, not a destination. It started with shifting how I view challenges and setbacks—I began to see them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Early on, I realized that confidence comes from preparation and consistency, so I made a habit of setting small, achievable goals and celebrating those wins. Over time, those small victories built momentum and belief in myself.
Another key part of my growth came from surrounding myself with people who uplift and challenge me. I leaned on mentors, friends, and family who spoke life into me when I couldn’t see it for myself. Their encouragement helped me push through self-doubt and lean into my strengths.
I also had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I am constantly stepping out of my comfort zone —whether it was public speaking, taking on leadership roles, or facing tough situations. Every time I faced fear and came out stronger, I grew more confident.
Finally, my faith has been a cornerstone of my confidence. I’ve learned to see myself the way God sees me—worthy, capable, and with a purpose. That perspective grounds me and reminds me that I’m equipped for the work I’ve been called to do.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
“As the Chief Strategy Officer for Sip & Savor, I have the incredible opportunity to shape the growth and vision of a brand that is much more than just a coffeehouse. Sip & Savor is where coffee and community meet—it’s a space that celebrates culture, connection, and collaboration. We’re known for our fair trade coffee, vibrant atmosphere, and locations that reflect the beauty of our art, music, and history. But what truly makes Sip & Savor special is how we pour into people—our customers, our team, and the communities we serve.
What excites me most about my role is transforming vision into reality. Over the past few years, I’ve been focused on scaling the organization, increasing our brand footprint, improving daily operations, and building an internal culture that reflects excellence, empowerment, and teamwork. We’ve streamlined our processes to make the customer experience seamless while also creating opportunities for growth within our team.
As for what’s new—we’re continually creating ways to bring people together. From First Fridays and industry nights to community-driven conversations and wellness events, Sip & Savor is a place where professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs can gather, grow, and thrive. Our goal is not just to serve coffee but to create experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of Sip & Savor. We’re exploring franchising opportunities to expand our impact nationally, bringing our unique blend of coffee and culture to even more communities. I’m passionate about ensuring that as we grow, we stay true to our mission—pouring into people and inspiring them to be their best selves, one cup and one connection at a time.
So whether you’re stopping by for an Americano, attending an event, or just looking for a space to feel seen and inspired, we invite you to experience Sip & Savor. This is more than coffee; it’s a movement.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
“Looking back on my journey as a leader and Chief Strategy Officer, the three qualities that have been the most impactful are vision, adaptability, and intentional leadership. These aren’t just skills; they’re mindsets that have shaped every decision I’ve made, every challenge I’ve overcome, and every success I’ve celebrated.
1. Vision:
Having a clear vision has been everything. When I stepped into my role, I knew that Sip & Savor wasn’t just about coffee—it was about community, culture, and creating a space that reflects who we are and what we value. Vision gives you direction when things get tough, and it helps you align every goal with a bigger purpose. My advice to those starting their journey: define your “why.” Write it down. Revisit it often. Your vision will anchor you when doubt creeps in or challenges arise.
2. Adaptability:
Growth and challenges come hand in hand. Scaling Sip & Savor from three to six locations in 4 years required constant pivoting, problem-solving, and learning on the fly. Plans don’t always unfold as expected, so the ability to adapt is crucial. My advice? Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Challenges are where the growth happens. Stay flexible, be willing to learn from mistakes, and treat every setback as a stepping stone.
3. Intentional Leadership:
Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about empowering people and creating systems that help them thrive. As a leader, I’ve worked to improve operations, build an internal culture of excellence, and ensure my team feels supported and seen. Weekly check-ins, clear communication, and actionable feedback have been game-changers for my team. My advice: Be present, be transparent, and be consistent. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for your people and giving them the tools to succeed.
For those early in their journey, I’d say this: trust the process, but work the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with vision, adaptability, and intentionality, you’ll grow into the leader you’re meant to be. Surround yourself with mentors, ask questions, stay curious, and don’t let fear stop you from taking action. You’ve got this.”
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“One book that has played a significant role in my personal and professional development is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It’s a timeless classic that dives deep into the mindset and principles needed to succeed—not just financially, but in life as a whole.
“One book that has played a significant role in my development is “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes. It’s a book about stepping out of your comfort zone, overcoming fear, and saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that challenge and stretch you. Her journey of self-discovery and growth aligns so closely with what I’ve experienced in my career and personal life.
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I carry with me—and how they’ve shaped my journey:
1. “Saying no has gotten me here. Saying yes is what’s going to get me there.”
I used to believe that if something scared me, it wasn’t for me. But I’ve learned that growth happens when we push past fear. I remember the first time I said “yes” to scuba diving. I was terrified—literally shaking at the thought of being underwater and out of control. But I went through with it, and it ended up being one of the most freeing, transformative experiences of my life. That moment taught me that fear is just a signal that something new and beautiful might be on the other side.
In my career, I’ve said “yes” to challenges I once doubted I could handle—like scaling Sip & Savor’s operations, building systems for franchising, and leading teams through transition. Each time I leaned into the discomfort, I got closer to my purpose of making people and places better than they were when I found them.
2. “The very act of doing the thing that scared me undid the fear.”
Fear convinces us we can’t do things before we’ve even tried. I used to say, “I can’t make lattes or mochas—I’m not a barista.” But one day, I chose to stop letting that mindset hold me back. I stepped behind the espresso machine, learned from my team, and made my first drinks. Were they perfect? Absolutely not. But the fear disappeared, and I walked away with a new skill and a deeper respect for the process.
That’s how fear works: It’s loudest right before we take action, but once we lean in, it loses its power. Whether it’s personal growth or leadership, I’ve learned that doing the hard thing—no matter how messy—undoes the fear.
3. “Who you are today… is good enough. Honor that version of yourself.”
This one hit home for me. Leadership is about creating systems and strategies, yes, but it’s also about showing up as your real, authentic self—flaws, learning curves, and all. I’ve had to honor who I am in every moment: someone who’s still growing, still learning, but showing up fully. Whether it’s encouraging my team or pushing through difficult decisions, I’ve learned that progress, not perfection, is what matters.
This book reminded me that real transformation—whether in people, places, or yourself—begins with saying “yes.” Yes to growth, yes to fear, and yes to opportunities that push you to the next level. To anyone early in their journey: say “yes” even when it’s scary. Sometimes your biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop overthinking and just go for it. Trust me, I’ve seen it—underwater, behind an espresso machine, and everywhere in between.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sipandsavorchicago.com
- Instagram: Sipandsavorchicago
- Facebook: Sip & Savor Chicago
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