Woman-Owned Lemont: Tess at Folklore Coffee
In the United States, roughly 35% of businesses are woman-owned. Today, In Lemont Downtown, nearly 85% of businesses are woman-owned. These businesses fuel our economic growth, provide jobs for locals, and help fuel a pipeline for entrepreneurship for all.
At Lemont Downtown, we hear from a lot of people: How do I get started? Could I have a business in Lemont? Well, yes!
Throughout the month, we’ll be sitting down with some of your favorite women-owned businesses to learn more about their story, some insight on what it takes to start and run a successful business, and hopefully inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Next Up: Tess at Folklore Cofee
KG: How did you decide to open up Folklore in Lemont?
TA: I got my first job in the coffee industry at 18, and I knew right then that I wanted to own my own coffee shop someday. At the time, I was studying Fashion Design in NYC and was set on pursuing a career in the apparel industry. Although I had some fun and unique jobs in the bridal industry, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was working hard to build someone else’s dream instead of my own.
I constantly struggled with the decision: should I quit my job to pursue my coffee business, or should I stick with the security of a steady paycheck and health insurance? I half-jokingly told myself that the universe would give me a sign when the time was right and the next day, I lost my job!
Most people would’ve been upset, but I saw it as a clear sign that it was now or never. I immediately started working on my business plan, reached out to key members at the Village who were incredibly helpful with my initial questions, and scheduled a tour of the building that is now home to Folklore Coffee!
KG: How did you go about financing the business? Did you use personal savings, loans, or investors?
TA: I feel incredibly fortunate to have started Folklore using only my personal savings. However, that was only possible because of several key life choices I made along the way. After my sophomore year of college, I decided to drop out and work multiple jobs to save money. I’m also lucky to have two incredibly supportive parents. After living in NYC for a few years, I moved back in with them, which allowed me to save money that would have otherwise gone toward rent, utilities, and groceries. While living with your parents in your early 20s is often stigmatized, for me, it made all the difference in being able to save for my future.
KG: What were the most important pieces when it came to building your brand?
TA: Staying true to my uniquely quirky self has been essential to building my brand identity. I initially worried that centering a coffee shop around my love of cryptids—a pretty niche interest—might be risky. But it’s been incredibly well-received, sparking laughter, curiosity, and a sense of fun within the community.
While it may not be directly tied to the theme, Folklore is also known for its exceptional customer service, which I take great pride in. We show up every day with genuine smiles and plenty to chat about because we truly love creating a welcoming community where everyone feels included in the fun. The more of “me” I’ve poured into Folklore, the easier it’s been to genuinely connect with the people who walk through the door!
KG: What does your day-to-day look like now that business is open?
TA: Now that we’re just over a year in, maintaining a consistent schedule has gotten easier, but Folklore still keeps me on my toes! I work behind the counter five days a week, which is by far my favorite part of owning a coffee shop. Even though I’m technically “working,” it’s really just an excuse to drink coffee and chat with everyone who walks through the door!
On my days off, I catch up on admin tasks like answering emails, scheduling social media posts, running payroll, and submitting sales taxes. I also handle all of our inventory runs, so you’ll often find me unloading coffee from our roaster, Whirlwind Coffee, or hauling in 30 gallons of milk.
Balancing work and home life isn’t exactly my strong suit, but the passion I have for my business truly makes me feel whole.
KG: What were the biggest obstacles or resistance that you faced?
TA: Most of my obstacles are internal rather than external, and honestly, I consider myself pretty lucky if the toughest person I have to deal with is me! I tend to demand a level of expertise and knowledge that typically only comes from years of owning and running a business. I constantly have to remind myself that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from each experience. This perfectionist mindset has sometimes made me feel isolated, but I’m working on being kinder to myself and accepting help when it’s offered. Externally, the coffee industry is very male-dominated, and I’ve definitely faced challenges from being overlooked or not taken seriously. Thankfully these instances are few and far between, and it's been really exciting to see more and more women-owned coffee shops open up in the Southwest suburbs!
KG: Where have you found the most support?
TA: This question always brings tears to my eyes because I’ve been surrounded by incredible support from day one. My husband, Justin, didn’t hesitate for a second when I told him I was ready to open a coffee shop. He spent countless late nights with me during Folklore’s construction, helps behind the bar when I’m short-staffed, and has helped me sort through a million ideas. My team is also an incredible source of support—they remind me to slow down, always offer a helping hand, and are my biggest cheerleaders. It might sound cheesy, but making them proud is a huge motivator for me.
And, of course, I couldn’t do it without my regulars! In just one short year, they’ve become friends who’ve supported me through 15+ menu ideas, wild events with Bigfoot, and so much more.
KG: What's next for your business?
TA: I love this question because the opportunities feel endless! We are currently working on a coffee cart, so we will now have an espresso machine that we can bring to all of our off-site events. This gives us the opportunity to showcase our menu both in and out of the shop at markets, craft shows, golf outings, weddings...you get the drift! Long term, we will hopefully expand our current space so that we can offer more seating inside or potentially have a second location in another suburb.
KG: What advice would you give to women who want to open up a business in Lemont?
TA: Go for it—you’ll figure it all out along the way! In my experience, the Village employees do an excellent job of guiding you through the process. I was given a “to-do” packet to get me started, and any questions I had were always answered promptly.
Lemont is a very community-centric suburb, and everyone genuinely wants to see local businesses thrive. You won’t find better cheerleaders than the community members themselves. For example, I’ve had customers visit Folklore from Michigan and Indiana just because someone recommended us—how crazy is that?!
The local business owners are also incredibly supportive and genuinely want to see you succeed. The first day I was open to the public, Nancy from Lange's Flowers stopped by with a plant and gave me the biggest hug congratulating me. She, along with so many other amazing owners, continue to be great examples that I will always look up to and seek advice from whenever needed.
Be sure to follow Tess at Folklore Coffee online at folklorecoffeeshop.com on Instagram (@folklore.lemont) and Facebook.
