She’s Behind Comeback Coffee & Greenhaus
Amy McPherson brings her passion for shared spaces through her two beloved local businesses, Comeback Coffee and Greenhaus. Meet our newest FACE of Memphis!
Amy McPherson discovered the importance of community spaces in college. A graphics design major, she loved to work on creative projects in local coffee shops and grew to appreciate the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. She’s brought her passion for shared spaces into not one but two local businesses — Comeback Coffee and Greenhaus (formerly Golden Hour). Meet our newest FACE of Memphis, Amy McPherson!
How has your background in graphic design helped with owning and running two businesses?
Branding is near and dear to my heart, both in trade and experience. Good packaging and design can change so much for a brand. I have been happy with my growth in design over the years and what I’ve been able to bring to the businesses in that way. I do all of our design in-house for both businesses — everything from our whole bean packaging to soda cans, merchandise, and more.
Memphis gets so much negative attention, but I’ve always wanted to show that it’s special through our branding and the warm, unique experiences you have when you visit the shops.
What lessons have you learned along the way that have helped you become an entrepreneur?
I have learned that all you can do is your best. I have always been a very sensitive person, and it’s easy for me to take things personally. The first year was a really hard lesson in not taking things personally. I’m by no means perfect at it now, but I try to take the hard interactions in stride.
How do you balance the demands of two very different businesses?
It is difficult! The balancing game will never be over. Thankfully, I have a great partner in life and business, which makes balancing feel much more manageable. I also have fantastic employees who are very capable and give grace when needed. Every day looks different, and I don’t follow a schedule. I go where and when I am needed to determine my focus for the day.
Tell us about the concept of Comeback Coffee.
Comeback was made to be a space where old and new are melded together and where comfort and quality coexist. It’s a melting pot of many different folks, and it’s fantastic to see interactions happen that wouldn’t otherwise.
What is your all-time favorite Comeback Coffee concoction?
My all-time favorite, hands down, is our Coffee Soda. It’s what we have become known for, and it truly is so good and unique. It has taken our brand worldwide and put Memphis on the map in a different way in the coffee world!
What sets Greenhaus apart?
The biggest things that set Greenhaus apart from any other plant store are our education, care, and communication. We are super-mindful about the plants we source and monitor them closely to make sure they are in the best possible shape before going home with someone.
We teach people how to take care of their plants at the register, through classes, and via DMs. We understand that buying plants is an investment, and we don’t want that money to go to waste. We love sharing our knowledge and helping someone feel capable of taking care of their plants. We offer a lot of services, from plant troubleshooting and repotting to full-house styling.
Besides the plants, we offer a unique selection of curated gifts, home goods, and our in-house candle line. We do our best to source goods you can’t find anywhere else in Memphis. When you support us, you’re supporting so many other small businesses from around the U.S. and the world!
Besides your plants, what are some of your favorite products that you sell?
We love a good scent. Whether it be with our candles, incense, or our fragrances, we love creating a peaceful space. A special scent is such an important piece of curating a cozy space at the shop and home.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working, I’m most likely out gallivanting with my partner Hayes and our two-year-old son or chilling at home.
What is your best piece of advice?
Never be afraid to advocate for yourself. As someone who lived with chronic pain for over 10 years — from high school until this year — I have battled living with an illness that wasn’t seen. Many doctors didn’t believe me, and I had to fight hard to be treated. You know yourself better than anyone and deserve to live life to the fullest.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
I feel like it’s a cop-out, but life would be hard for me without a really good latte. The other two would be nature and seeing the sky at night!
**********
Get to know more amazing FACES of Memphis HERE!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.