Blissful Beginnings: The Story of The Blissful Bean
In the charming town of Ecru, Mississippi, a new drive-thru coffee shop, The Blissful Bean, is quickly becoming a local favorite. More than just a place to grab coffee, it's the realization of a dream for Blenda Gann. As a devoted military spouse to her husband who plans to retire in December after 35 years of active duty in the Mississippi Army National Guard, Blenda transformed her love for coffee and community into a thriving business. Gann’s path to entrepreneurship is a testament to her perseverance, personal growth, and the support of programs designed to uplift military spouses.
Her journey began in August 2023, when she called Military OneSource, a U.S Department of Defense program, and spoke with an entrepreneurship coach that is provided free through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program. This is where she learned about and then participated in the SBA’s Military Spouse Pathway to Business program. The training provided the perfect foundation for Gann, who had always dreamed of opening her own coffee shop but lacked direction. The program equipped her with the skills and knowledge to start her venture and make the dream a reality.
After completing the initial program, Gann didn’t stop there. She enrolled in the SBA’s Boots to Business Revenue Readiness course, a follow-on program hosted by Mississippi State University that helps entrepreneurs fine-tune their business plans, understand financials, and prepare for the challenges of running a business. This course was a game-changer for Gann. It gave her the tools to develop a solid business plan, allowing her to confidently move forward with her vision of running a successful coffee shop.
Gann knew that as a military spouse, life often meant constant changes and relocations, but she wanted to create a sense of stability for herself and her community by providing a warm and friendly place for people to grab their favorite coffee on the go. Gann’s vision for The Blissful Bean was more than just a business idea—it was about building a community.
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained from the SBA entrepreneurship courses, Gann officially opened The Blissful Bean in the summer of 2024, a drive-thru coffee shop that now calls the local community of Ecru, Mississippi, home. In a town where everyone knows each other, The Blissful Bean has quickly become a hub where locals can enjoy delicious, freshly brewed coffee and chat with familiar faces. From handcrafted espresso drinks to simple drip coffee, The Blissful Bean offers a menu that caters to everyone, whether they’re rushing to work or looking for a quiet moment to themselves. The Blissful Bean isn’t just about serving coffee; it’s about sharing a sense of joy and comfort in every cup.
As The Blissful Bean continues to grow, Gann remains committed to making it a place of warmth and connection for her customers. The Blissful Bean is now a cherished part of the Ecru community, but for Gann, it’s more than just a coffee shop. It’s a symbol of the hard work and dedication she’s poured into creating something of her own—a business built on the principles of perseverance, passion, and the desire to serve others, much like the attributes and life she supports as a military spouse.
The entrepreneurial training programs for military spouses not only helped Gann build her business from the ground up, but they also gave her the confidence to navigate the challenges of business ownership. Learning about financial projections, customer service strategies, and marketing techniques through the SBA programs empowered Gann to make informed decisions as she brought her dream to life.
Gann’s journey from military spouse to business owner is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of SBA programs that help military families turn their entrepreneurial dreams into realities.