Dirty Girl Coffee is far more than just a coffee company; it is a vibrant social enterprise rooted in the heart of Glouster, Ohio, within the Appalachian region of Southeast Ohio. This small-batch craft roaster is on a mission to ignite women's economic progress both in their local Appalachian communities and at coffee origins on Earth. With a playfully provocative name that embodies strength, resilience, and a hands-on approach to change, Dirty Girl Coffee is crafting exceptional brews while passionately chipping away at long-standing barriers to economic equity.
The name "Dirty Girl Coffee" is deliberately chosen to be memorable and meaningful. It's a bold statement, a "love letter" and an homage to all women who perform every day, not for external validation, but because it's deeply ingrained in their being. These are women unafraid to "get dirt under their nails, brush the dust off their jeans, rub sweat off their brow." It celebrates those who are tenacious, compassionate, driven, humble, unbeatable, kind, strong, resilient, and beautiful. The "dirty" also subtly refers to their deep engagement with the social and economic issues they aim to address.
This ethos, founded on celebrating the often-unsung efforts of women, particularly those in non-traditional or demanding roles, is central to the company's identity and mission. It resonates with their dedication to women's economic advancement both at the coffee's origin and within the Appalachian communities they serve.
The inspiration for Dirty Girl Coffee emerged from a very personal journey of its co-founder, Jane Cavarozzi. After a significant brush with cancer, Jane began seeking foods with lower acidity, leading her to discover the benefits of cold brew coffee, which naturally reduces acidity. Her curiosity deepened in 2015 when she learned about nitro cold brew. This spurred an experimental phase where she traveled the West Coast, sampling cold brews and then returning to Ohio with the resolve and equipment to craft her own.
Alongside her wife, Kara Tripp (also a co-founder), Jane launched Dirty Girl Coffee with a 30-day trial run in Columbus. This initial phase helped them refine their product and solidify their brand culture as "friendly, accepting." Both Jane and Kara come from backgrounds in male-dominated fields like transportation and distribution, giving them a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women in non-traditional roles. This personal history profoundly shaped their mission to support and empower women, recognizing the need to break down barriers for women in the workplace and beyond.
The company's evolution continued when frustrations arose with finding roasters who could consistently provide ethically sourced, sustainable, and women-produced beans. This led Jane and Kara to take a significant leap: they launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $12,500 in one month to acquire their own roaster. This move allowed them to take full control of their sourcing and roasting, ensuring their coffee consistently met their high ethical standards.
Dirty Girl Coffee operates with a powerful dual mission, impacting women's economic progress at two critical levels:
Dirty Girl Coffee prides itself on being a small-batch craft roaster, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and optimal freshness. Their commitment to quality is evident in their "just-in-time" business model, where everything is made to order, guaranteeing that customers receive the freshest possible roast.
Their product range is diverse, catering to various tastes and preferences:
Their approach to flavor is unique, especially in cold brew. Instead of the common dark and bitter profiles, they pursue a "lighter, prettier, kind of fruit-forward coffee bean," often referred to as the "Pinot Noir of Cold Brew Coffee," providing a distinct and enjoyable experience.
Dirty Girl Coffee is deeply integrated into its local community. Their physical shop in Glouster is a direct expression of their "skin in the game" commitment to revitalizing the area. They are also a regular presence at the Athens Farmers Market, providing direct interaction with customers and building a loyal local following.
Beyond their own retail and online presence, they actively partner with local businesses, such as the Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium, which has become their number one seller. These collaborations not only expand Dirty Girl Coffee's reach but also strengthen the local economy and foster a supportive business ecosystem in Southeast Ohio. The wide appeal of their coffee has even earned them international recognition from visitors to the Hocking Hills region.
Dirty Girl Coffee embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship fused with profound social purpose. By providing exceptional coffee, advocating for fair practices, and actively investing in the economic empowerment of women in Appalachia, they are not just running a business; they are driving tangible change.
Jane Cavarozzi's passion, combined with the dedication of her team, demonstrates how a seemingly simple product like coffee can become a powerful vehicle for social good. Dirty Girl Coffee encourages everyone to "Get Dirty, Be Dirty, Live Dirty" – a call to action to embrace challenges, make an impact, and contribute to a world where women, and therefore communities, truly thrive. They are a compelling example of how conscious consumerism can directly support a more equitable and sustainable future.
