From Classroom to Kitchen: This Entrepreneur’s Sweet New Chapter

I’m delighted to feature Michelle, the heart and hands behind Coluna Coffee & Cookies—a small-batch business serving up fresh-roasted coffee and better-for-you baked goods in West Orange, NJ. In this interview, Michelle shares her journey from educator to entrepreneur, what fuels her flavor-forward mission, and how she’s building community—one cookie (and cup of coffee) at a time.

Can you share a little about your background?

I’m Michelle, and I live in West Orange, NJ with my husband, Chris, and our two little ones, Coltrane and Luna (ages 4 and 2). I grew up in Bergen County, NJ and went to college at Indiana University in the Midwest. During a college semester abroad in Florence Italy, I fell deeper in love with the art of cooking—especially creating delicious meals from simple, fresh ingredients.

I’ve spent the past 15 years working as a special education teacher in the New York City Public School System. In 2020, during the height of COVID, Chris and I made the move from NYC to NJ, ready to start a new chapter and plant deeper roots as a growing family.

What inspired you to start Coluna Coffee & Cookies?

Food and music have always been my love languages. I credit my late grandma Miriam for sparking my passion for cooking and using food as a way to bring people together. That same spirit carried over into my work in education. In the Title I school where I teach, I started a cooking club as a way to create community and raise funds—we’d cook with students and sell our creations to staff. Even during COVID, we kept the club going virtually, which really showed me the power of food as connection.

After having my son in 2021, I started sharing simple and nutritious family recipes on Instagram through reels and blog-style posts. Meanwhile, Chris had been experimenting with coffee roasting at home, and one day, a professional coffee roaster unexpectedly showed up at our door. That new coffee gadget led us to dive deeper into turning our passions into something more.

Coluna Coffee & Cookies was born out of that shared dream. We focus on high-quality coffee and better-for-you desserts made with simple, clean ingredients. It’s been just over eight months since we launched, and we like to say Coluna is our “third baby”—a true passion project that continues to grow with us.

What products do you offer?

We offer a variety of freshly roasted whole bean coffees, including both single origin and blended varieties. Our baked goods focus on gluten-free, lower-sugar treats made with clean ingredients. Our current offerings include:

• Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
• Gluten-free double chocolate brownies
• Gluten-free and vegan banana bread
• Coconut oil-popped popcorn (in fun, flavorful varieties)
• Cheese straws (think a gourmet twist on your favorite cheesy cracker)
• Seasonal coconut macaroons

We’re always experimenting with new recipes, and our menu evolves with the seasons and customer feedback!

What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

Wearing all the hats—no two days are ever the same! Between managing social media, accounting, sourcing ingredients, baking, packaging, and customer service (all while working full-time and raising two little ones), it can feel overwhelming at times. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.

We truly see Coluna as a labor of love. Every kind word from a customer, every repeat order, and every shared story reminds us why we do this. It’s a privilege to be part of people’s moments—whether it’s their morning coffee routine or a special celebration. And knowing that our gluten-free and vegan offerings allow more people to enjoy our products makes it all the more meaningful.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received as an aspiring entrepreneur?

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Julie Pauly, the owner of The Able Baker in Maplewood, NJ—a local gem. Her advice really stuck with me: manage your expectations, and never compromise on the quality of your product. She’s built something so special over nearly two decades and continues to show up with humility and genuine connection.

That conversation grounded me. It reminded me that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint—and that if we stay true to our values and keep showing up with heart, we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

What’s the best way for people to connect with you?

Instagram is the best way to learn about popups and new Coluna product offerings!

Orders for local pick up and delivery can be placed through our website.

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Laura Deutsch is a realtor who specializes in helping people relocate from the city to the suburbs of New Jersey.   Laura took the plunge herself from city to suburban living (not easy!) and is passionate about helping others do the same without all of the stress.  Finding the right town to call home is just as important as finding the perfect house, and that’s why Laura’s tailored approach ensures that you not only love your home, but also your new community.