Today, on International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating Lynsey Harley, a true force in the coffee industry. As the founder and CEO of Modern Standard Coffee, Lynsey has built a roastery that champions quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, values that make her an inspiration to us and so many others.
Her expertise and passion for coffee are unmatched, and we’re proud that BLOOM beans are roasted by the incredible team at Modern Standard Coffee. Lynsey’s mission goes beyond great coffee; she’s driving real change, ensuring that every cup respects both the planet and the people behind it.
So, grab a coffee and settle in as we chat with Lynsey about her journey, the highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to build a business in coffee.
Modern Standard Coffee was born on International Women’s Day—was that intentional, or just a happy coincidence? Either way, it feels symbolic! What does this day mean to you as a female entrepreneur, and what inspired you to take the leap into starting your own roastery?
A happy coincidence, but a meaningful one! International Women’s Day represents progress, resilience, and breaking barriers—things I’ve had to embody throughout my career. I started Modern Standard because I wanted to make specialty coffee more accessible without compromising on quality, sustainability, or ethics. At the time, I saw a gap in the market for a roastery that balanced all of those things while also creating opportunities for people in coffee. It was daunting, but I believed in what I wanted to build.
The coffee industry can be tough to break into, especially as a woman. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you push through them?
There were a lot! From securing investment to being taken seriously in rooms full of men, I had to prove myself constantly. Coffee is still a male-dominated industry, especially in leadership and roasting. The way I pushed through? Being relentless, working hard, and staying focused on the bigger picture. I also surrounded myself with people who shared my values and believed in what we were building.
You’ve got an incredible coffee résumé—Q Grader, UK Cup Tasting Champion, and a World Barista Championship judge. How have these experiences shaped the way you approach coffee today?
They’ve given me a deep respect for quality and precision. Being a Q Grader sharpened my sensory skills, and competing and judging at high levels taught me that coffee is both an art and a science. These experiences influence how we roast at Modern Standard—we’re meticulous about sourcing, roasting, and quality control to ensure consistency in every batch.
What makes Modern Standard Coffee stand out from the crowd? What’s the secret to consistently roasting great coffee?
Consistency, transparency, and a commitment to quality. We source responsibly, focus on sustainability, and invest in our people and technology. The key to great roasting is understanding the coffee, respecting its origin, and knowing how to bring out its best characteristics without overcomplicating things.
Are there any coffee trends right now that you’re excited about—or maybe a trend you think needs to go?
I love seeing more transparency in sourcing and a focus on sustainability in packaging and production. One trend I could do without? Overly complicated processing methods that sometimes mask the true character of the coffee. There’s a fine line between innovation and just making coffee taste weird for the sake of it.
Sustainability is a big part of Modern Standard Coffee. You aim to reduce your carbon footprint by 10% annually—what are some of the steps you take to make that happen?
We measure our impact rigorously, optimise our roasting processes for efficiency, and source responsibly. We’re also Climate Neutral certified, which means we offset our emissions while actively working to reduce them. Simple things like lightweight packaging, better logistics, and investing in renewable energy all add up.
How do you choose which farmers and suppliers to work with? What’s most important to you in those relationships?
It’s about trust, quality, and shared values. We work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability, fair pricing, and long-term partnerships. Relationships matter—good coffee comes from good people, and we want to support those who are doing things the right way.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about sustainability in the coffee industry, what would it be?
Fair pay across the supply chain. Too many farmers still aren’t earning a living wage despite producing some of the world’s best coffee. If sustainability isn’t financially viable for farmers, it’s not truly sustainable.
What advice would you give to women looking to start their own business, whether in coffee or another industry?
Back yourself. You don’t have to know everything from day one, but you do have to be willing to learn, adapt, and keep going when things get tough. Find mentors, build a strong network, and stay true to your values. And don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start—just start.
What’s next for Modern Standard Coffee? Any exciting projects or innovations on the horizon?
We’re constantly evolving. We’ve got some exciting sustainability initiatives coming up, and we’re expanding our training programs to help more people develop their skills in coffee. There’s also some product innovation in the pipeline—watch this space!
If you had to drink coffee from only one origin for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?
Ethiopia, hands down. It’s the birthplace of coffee and produces some of the most complex, vibrant, and unique flavors—floral, fruity, tea-like. I’d never get bored!
If you weren’t in coffee, what do you think you’d be doing?
Something food-related, for sure. I love hospitality and the creativity that comes with it. Maybe running a restaurant or working in wine.
Describe your perfect coffee moment. Where are you, what’s in your cup, and who’s with you?
Somewhere quiet and beautiful—maybe a remote cabin in Scotland. A freshly brewed Ethiopian natural coffee in my cup, and I’m with good friends or family, just enjoying the moment.
If you could share a coffee with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
Probably J.K. Rowling. She created something iconic from a place of struggle, and I’d love to chat with her about resilience, creativity, and the journey of building something from nothing.
Lynsey’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose come together. She’s not just roasting exceptional coffee, she’s shaping the industry, advocating for sustainability and inspiring the next generation of coffee professionals.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re reminded of the incredible women like Lynsey who are driving change and making their mark. Here’s to more women leading, innovating and redefining what’s possible, in coffee and beyond.
Want to learn more about Lynsey and Modern Standard Coffee? Check out their website here and explore their commitment to quality, sustainability, and incredible coffee.
What part of Lynsey’s story inspires you most? Let’s celebrate together, drop a comment below! 👇💬
