About Sweet Science Coffee
Sweet Science: Contemplation over Coffee
Sweet Science Coffee began as a pop-up shop in Washington, D.C., in 2015. From the start, the business was more than just a coffee service - it was a place to explore the art of craft. Alongside serving specialty coffee, which at the time was easier to define than it is today, Sweet Science offered classes in brewing techniques, coffee history, and âslow barâ pour-overs, emphasizing the philosophy of experiencing coffee consciously. The motto, Enjoy. Being. Awake., was painted on the back wall, embodying the businessâs dedication to taking breaks and engaging in Human Contact over Coffee - with others and with oneself. 
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Sweet Science Coffee 2015
The founder of Sweet Science, Sandra Wolter, was raised in a fifth-generation German coffee family, bringing a deep appreciation for the rituals of coffee-making to the business. However, her journey into coffee was not linear. Starting her career as a journalist with Germanyâs NDR television network, she thrived in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, relying on her morning coffee ritual as a grounding practice. When she transitioned to entrepreneurship after 15 years, she channeled her focus and passion into building Sweet Science, transforming it from a pop-up into a highly rated destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Sweet Science Coffee, DC 2022
Over five years, Sweet Science gained recognition from food critics and partners, expanding into two brick-and-mortar locations. However, the intense demands of steering the business through the Covid-19 Pandemic took a toll. By 2021, Sandra faced severe burnout, leading to a physical and mental health crisis that led her to reevaluate her approach to work, and life.
Whether coffee would be part of her future was not clear at that time. As is the case for many people who encounter massive change and life transitions, Sandra went through two years of trying different routes and projects, looking for something that would re-ignite her passion for creating. She returned to university to study Coffee Excellence and the effects of caffeine and other compounds on the brain and body, developed a line of coffee shots with Nootropics and Adaptogens, and produced two online training courses.Â
It would be nice to tell the story as expected - that a major turning point or aha moment led to a renewed sense of purpose and, voila, a new outlook on business. But what sounds like a productive phase of re-evaluation was really a race to the bottom. Â
When nothing external stuck, and all self-judgments and fear over the business failing were exhausted, the only thing left was stillness, surrender and eventually a renewed, quiet appreciation of coffeesâ ability to create moments of connection and contemplation.Â
Once healing had finally become a priority, Sandra left the brick and mortar cafes in 2023 and created an online space for live coffee education. Her own daily contemplative coffee time and breathwork practice are an ongoing process of discovery and connection to herself, and by extension to people who value a quality-over-quantity lifestyle.Â
Sweet Science still blends craft, science and brewing techniques with a side of mindfulness to support a holistic coffee experience that is beneficial for mind and body. Â
But there is nothing new age-y about it. Itâs a simple acknowledgement of the need for deeper connection in todayâs world, and a nod to coffee as a beverage that can help build bridges.
We are currently piloting a coffee culture platform where people will be able to join live calls, enjoy a guided meditation, brew and share their experiences with others. It wasnât in the business plan, but thatâs life.Â
If you have questions or feedback, drop us a line.
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