As a fifth generation Wellingtonian, Jessica Gough decided to start a business that would combine her love of coffee with her hometown.
With 10 years’ experience as a barista and a hot pink logo, Jespresso was born.
“After working in the coffee industry for ten years before establishing Jespresso, I feel I have gained a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and the art of being a barista,” she explained.
“There were so many positives to having my home base for the business in Wellington, as it is in the middle of Central West NSW within an hour’s drive to Orange, Dubbo and Mudgee. I have a family history in Wellington.”
Starting out with a mobile coffee cart in 2015, Ms Gough developed her own blend in 2016, named after her faithful Shar Pei Lily.
“Lily’s Blend is sourced from coffee beans from countries around the world including Ethiopia, Colombia, Papua New Guinea and southern India and roasted locally.”
Jespresso sells Lily’s Blend in both the espresso bar and coffee cart.
“A number of businesses around Central West NSW also carry Lily’s Blend as the coffee option in their establishments.”
In 2017, Ms Gough opened an espresso bar, which is nestled within Wellington antique store The Mallee Hen’s Nest in Lee St.
It’s a winning combination which gives antique aficionados the opportunity to enjoy wonderful coffee and light meals. In just two years, the espresso bar has tripled in sales and now employs three local staff.
“The location of Jespresso in Wellington affords the ability to cater not only to locals but also people travelling along the Mitchell Highway,” Ms Gough explained, adding that there is plenty of space for parking.
Jespresso has also branched into mobile coffee catering, barista training and retail brewing equipment.
“I also offer café consulting, rental equipment and servicing,” Ms Gough said.
Barista training commenced in 2018 and participants can learn how to make the perfect brew in Jespresso’s two-day ‘How to make coffee’ class. Customers can also buy Lily’s Blend to have at home and Jespresso keep cups from her website.
The Jespresso mobile cart attends a wide variety of events throughout Central West NSW and beyond, including market days, auctions, sporting events and school fetes.
As well as providing excellent coffee, Jespresso also sponsors local sporting teams.
“Jespresso is a major sponsor for Wellington Junior Rugby League and has donated towards local endeavours such as supporting Wellington High School’s soccer team on their trip to Spain and local elders regional sporting trips.”
In this regard, Ms Gough has really immersed herself in the local community which includes being a very active board member and secretary for the Wellington Business Chamber.
“Wellington is now my official home as my partner and I have bought a house where we can raise our daughter Audrey,” she said.
She is grateful to have a strong team behind her and a loyal customer base.
“The customer base spreads throughout Central West NSW, as well as the different business’ carrying Lily’s Blend as their coffee of choice.
“The regular customers are definitely a driving force for the business but I also have great staff with strong personalities. Their ability to work individually and as part of a team makes Jespresso operate more efficiently.”
Since inception, Jespresso has been recognised as the 2017 Western Region Start-up Superstar at the NSW Business Awards and received a high commendation as an Emerging Business Leader at the Orange Regional Business Awards.
In the future, she hopes to see ‘little bright pink takeaway coffee shops popping up in smaller country towns.’