Renata Henderson is Brewing Memphis Magic at Cxffeeblack
As co-owner of Cxffeeblack, Renata Henderson is redefining what a coffee brand can be — equal parts creative hub, cultural statement, and community space. We caught up with Renata to hear how coffee became her medium of choice, her personal favorite Cxffeeblack orders, and more! Image: Facebook / Cxffeeblack
For Renata Henderson, coffee is far more than a daily ritual; it’s a vehicle for community and connection. As the co-owner of Cxffeeblack, she has helped create a space that blends culture, craftsmanship, and purpose in every cup. We sat down with Renata to learn more about her journey to entrepreneurship, her favorite concoctions, and her philosophy behind each fragrant cup.
Before Cxffeeblack, what were you up to professionally?
I was deeply involved in the education sector through teaching, curriculum development, and family engagement. I served as a middle school Science teacher at KIPP, Fairview Middle, and Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, and taught elementary math at Evans Elementary.
Additionally, I served as a Curriculum Coordinator and Interim Director for the bilingual preschool at Su Casa Family Ministries, a Curriculum Coordinator at Lite Memphis Youth Entrepreneur Program, and a Family Engagement Coach for Signal Centers of Tennessee.
Did your teaching experience prepare you for entrepreneurship?
Teaching required me to think creatively and develop “out of the box” solutions to complex problems. I learned to be an effective storyteller to engage students and keep families informed. Classroom management also taught me vital de-escalation skills.
I discovered that I pick up new skills quickly; I have applied that adaptability to entrepreneurship by mastering graphic design, human resources, and talent development.
What was your first memory or experience that made you fall in love with coffee?
My first experience was a coffee date with my husband. While I didn’t fall in love with the beverage itself that day, the shop became a staple for us because of the ideas and encouragement we shared there. My true love for coffee began when I started learning how to roast.
Initially, I stepped into roasting to help the company save money, but I quickly became fascinated by the history of the industry, specifically how women in Ethiopia were the world’s original roasters and baristas.
I realized roasting was a way to honor that divine narrative. I began having wonderful sensory experiences, learning to roast using sight, smell, touch, and taste. As a former science teacher, I fell deeply in love with the technical science behind the process.
Can you tell us more about the concept of Cxffeeblack?
The concept began with a question from my husband. Having been exposed to coffee grown in Kenya through his father, he noticed (as an adult) that specialty coffee spaces rarely reflected the populations highlighted on the bags. He began to ask, “Do Black people still drink coffee?”
Cxffeeblack is the answer to that question. It is a calling to lead and glorify God through His creation. We view our work as a priestly business and our physical shop as an “open-air church” where people experience community and healing. What started as a movement responding to social injustice has evolved into a revolution and a reclamation of the coffee story.
Your brand name is very distinctive! What’s the story behind the name Cxffeeblack?
While the structure came from the mind of Bartholomew Jones, we built the identity together. On a surface level, it encourages drinking Cxffeeblack to enjoy the scientific health benefits and the true tasting notes of the bean. We use it as an analogy for Blackness. People often deem black coffee “bitter” or “unpalatable” without realizing the beautiful notes they are missing by adding lighteners.
The “X” represents the variables in both Blackness and creation. It is a play on equations, celebrating the unity between our partners in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Colombia, and Kenya. Since coffee was discovered in 850 BC in Ethiopia, the “Blackness” of coffee is a historical fact we aim to honor. We see the industry evolving into a form of futurism where art, business, and culture bleed into one beautiful picture.
What’s the philosophy behind your approach to coffee?
Our driving philosophy is: “Love Black people like you love black coffee.” We believe people are more important than things, policies, or ideologies. Our team strives for quality, culture, and consistency. These three elements are often treated as mutually exclusive in a Black context, but we aim to provide all three simultaneously.
Finally, we believe in being “blessed to be a blessing.” We offer a blessing to every person who gets a cup. “May the peace of God be upon you, your house, and in that cup.”
How has the cultural identity of Memphis influenced your business?
Memphis is in our DNA. We lean into the colloquialisms and innovations that only Memphians understand. For example, our flagship coffee is called “Gucci Mane,” a play on the Gucci region in Ethiopia and the Memphis term “mane.”
The city’s support is also unmatched. We recently closed a community funding round where local residents raised over $400,000, allowing them to earn dividends and profit shares. This is vital in a community that is often exploited. From our local rapper investors to the vibes and music in our shop, we take great pride in investing back into the city that shaped us.
How do you hope your space contributes to the community?
Community is our foundation. It is incredible to see people connect in our shop over hobbies, spirituality, and occupations. Because our customers feel a sense of ownership, they are the ones who drive the vision. I hope our space encourages the city to move from “old school hospitality” toward becoming a more solid, unified community that celebrates our differences rather than being divided by them.
What are two or three of your own favorite Cxffeeblack concoctions?
Grandma’s Hands: A banana pudding matcha I created!
African Salmon Lox Toast: Coffee-cured salmon with Ethiopian cheese and Nigerian bread.
Drip Coffee: Our team delivers consistently on-point drip, whether it’s an anaerobic Ethiopian or a washed Congolese.
Switching gears a little, where can we find you when you aren’t working?
I am usually at Avenue Community Church serving on the praise team, at home working on crafts, or at the homes of friends and family.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring entrepreneurs in Memphis, what would it be?
Be faithful to the call that God has on your life. Nothing else matters.
Finally, we always ask: What are three things you can’t live without?
Crafting: I love my laser engraving machine, hand lettering, sewing, and doodling.
Smoothie bowls: I love them. Hard stop.
Musicals: I love the drama, the soundtracks, and the unexpected singing.
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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.