Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Huslig.
Hi Kelli, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Uplift Coffee Shop on January 28, 2020, at our original location at 624 N. Lawrence, with a very simple mission: to uplift and elevate everyone we have the opportunity to serve. For us, that looks like amazing coffee, great conversation, and plenty of yummy treats—but at the core, we’re truly in the people business.
Over the past six years, Uplift has continued to grow in exciting and meaningful ways. We’ve added a food truck, opened two additional locations—including our Baldwin City shop—and most recently, launched our own roaster. Being able to roast locally allows us to offer fresh, high-quality beans to every guest we serve, which feels like a natural extension of our mission and our commitment to excellence.
Our Baldwin City location has been an especially sweet addition for our family. Both my husband and I grew up in a small town in western Kansas, so being part of a close-knit community again feels like coming home. There’s something special about serving great coffee in a small-town setting—where conversations matter, relationships grow, and everyone feels welcome. Getting to know the Baldwin City community has been an absolute delight, and we’re grateful to be a small part of what makes it such a wonderful place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many small businesses, our very first challenge arrived almost immediately. We opened our doors in January of 2020, and just two months later, the pandemic changed everything. While it was certainly daunting, it also reshaped the way we viewed our business. It quickly became clear that hurdles are inevitable—but how you respond to them is what truly defines you. For us, that meant staying rooted in our mission and letting it guide every decision we made.
During the pandemic, we asked ourselves a simple question: How can we continue to uplift our community when people need it most? The answer came in creative and unexpected ways. We found ourselves serving coffee out of the back of our Jeep—keeping fresh, delicious coffee and treats flowing at a time when a small pick-me-up meant everything. Those moments reminded us that Uplift isn’t confined to four walls; it’s about connection, care, and meeting people where they are.
More recently, we faced another challenge when two of our locations were impacted by major road construction, making it harder for guests to visit us. Once again, we adapted. Instead of waiting it out, we leaned into growth and expanded our catering business, allowing us to bring Uplift directly to our guests and their gatherings. Each obstacle has reinforced the same lesson: when you stay focused on your mission and remain flexible, challenges can become opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Uplift Coffee Shop?
What truly sets Uplift apart is our unwavering focus on our guests. Everything we do is centered on creating an experience where people feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely uplifted. From amazing coffee and tea to fresh, delicious food and pastries, we are intentional about quality and care in every detail —and just as intentional about connection.
We roast our own coffee, make our own syrups, and bake our treats in-house so we can offer the freshest, most flavorful experience possible. But beyond what’s in the cup or on the plate, it’s the conversations, the smiles, and the relationships that matter most to us. We want every guest who walks through our doors to leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.
We’re also excited to extend that same experience beyond our shops through our catering services. Whether it’s a meeting, celebration, or special event, our goal is to make it memorable—and stress-free—so hosts can focus on what matters most while we take care of the rest. At the end of the day, Uplift isn’t just about great coffee; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection wherever we have the opportunity to serve.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises a lot of people is that I grew up on a family farm in western Kansas. Long before coffee shops, I was driving a wheat truck, running tractors, and working cattle. Farm life teaches you early that hard work isn’t optional—you show up, adapt to the weather, and keep going when things get tough.
More importantly, growing up on a farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for relationships and community. On the farm, you rely on one another, celebrate the wins together, and pull together when challenges arise. Those lessons still shape who I am today and are a big reason I care so deeply about creating spaces where people feel connected, welcomed, and valued. In many ways, Uplift is an extension of those early lessons—just with better coffee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://upliftcoffeeshop.com
- Instagram: upliftcoffee.co
- Facebook: Uplift Coffee Co
- LinkedIn: Uplift Coffee Shop
