ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, WZMQ is highlighting female-owned businesses throughout March.
Express Coffee on Ludington Street has a history as a female-owned business. When Jenah Murray bought the shop in 2017, she wanted to continue that tradition. She also wanted to set an example for the next generation.
“I had two daughters at the time, and I just wanted to be a good role model for them,” Murray said. “I was an everyday customer here, and I saw the sign in the window that it was for sale, and here we are!”
Murray went from visiting the shop for her daily bagel to owning the business. She’s put together a strong team of women who help her make Express Coffee the best it can be.
“My mom works here with me, and my nieces have both worked here,” she said. “I have three other amazing girls who are like family. That is the backbone of our business, because I couldn’t run it if I didn’t have them helping me.”
Murray devotes much of her time to researching new products, striving to bring new and exciting tastes to Escanaba.
“We’re proud to be the first in the area to bring in Lotus Energy, which has become one of our signature drinks,” Murray said. “We use the most high-quality ingredients that we can.”
Despite the hard work it takes to run a business, Murray is able to do it all while taking care of her family.
“My main challenge is running this business with three children and having a husband who travels for work often,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I feel like I’m showing my kids that hard work and integrity pay off, and that is ultimately very successful to me.”
In the coming years, Murray hopes to see more women starting their own businesses to create a better future for themselves and for Delta County.
“A lot of jobs in the U.P. are the trades, which are traditionally geared towards men,” said Murray. “I feel like, in my industry, I have the opportunity to give back to the community. It could inspire other women to open a business and keep our communities growing.”
Visit Express Coffee’s Facebook page for more information on the shop.
