Helping coffee leaders

build
irresistible
brands

From brand positioning and design to product innovation and sales

we help brands
stand out and scale

Trusted by CEOs, VPs, and Directors at leading coffee companies across the U.S.

starting a coffee business in a crowded market?

unsure how to launch your new product?

off-course with stagnant sales?

starting a coffee business in a crowded market? unsure how to launch your new product? off-course with stagnant sales?

Cut through the noise with a clear, strategic brand playbook.

Stand out with a product line that grows your business. 

Get back on track with positioning that resonates with today’s consumers.

See what PEOPLE are saying.

“After 13 years of trying to sell my invented product, I finally admitted needing help. Darleen offers an eclectic package of experience, contacts, and enthusiasm that I sorely needed, bringing 20+ years as a coffee professional with a keen eye for brand positioning and marketing. Once I admitted that I didn't know everything and didn't know what help I needed, Darleen filled the gap with flair. She became the marketing department I should have had from day one, leveraging her extensive industry knowledge to elevate my brand.”
- Craig Bailey,
CEO of FoamAroma

CASE STUDY

“Darleen is an incredibly talented food innovation expert.
She's highly productive and always takes whatever steps are needed to get the work done.”

- Louis Kanganis, Former COO of Taylor Lane Organic Coffee

CASE STUDY

"Darleen's deep coffee industry knowledge was invaluable as I took over Laughing Cat Coffee. As a solo business owner scaling up a legacy brand, her guidance went beyond just creating a brand playbook—she became a true ally.
She helped me navigate the complexities of coffee with confidence, making me feel supported every step of the way."

- Steven Horn, CEO of Laughing Cat Coffee

CASE STUDY

MEET THE FOUNDER, DARLEEN SCHERER, BRAND STRATEGIST & coffee ENTREPRENEUR.

Recognized by:

I help coffee brands grow by using my 20+ years of experience in the coffee industry, both as an entrepreneur and a marketer. From building coffee roasting companies to guiding businesses through challenges, I’ve been where you are and know what it takes to succeed.

Person smiling against a stone wall background, wearing a striped shirt and glasses.

INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS:

Specialty Coffee Association
Presenter + Panelist, Former USBC Sensory Judge

Coffee Quality Institute
Arabica Q Grader

Coffee Fest
Presenter + Panelist

Coffee Roasters Guild
Former Executive Council Member

MEET THE TEAM

Cut through the noise with a clear, strategic brand playbook.

Running a coffee business is tough. Between the daily grind and endless to-dos, it’s easy to forget what makes your offering unique. That’s where Black Sheep steps in. We’ll help you find your brand’s soul and build a strategy that keeps you thriving - not just surviving.

a playbook that guides you.

Three ways we can support your goals:

PROJECT-BASED - Targeted engagements with a defined scope, timeline, and deliverables.

À LA CARTE - Individual services selected as needed to address specific requirements.

ADVISORY - A strategic partnership that offers ongoing guidance + expertise.

We’ll define your competition, brand positioning, mission, and vision, then build out your value proposition, personality, and voice.

Every piece will align with your ideal customer’s needs, so your brand speaks directly to them—loud and clear.

  • OUR PROCESS

    Highlight market research: We identify consumer trends in coffee that matter to your brand

    Analyze competitors: We research and evaluate the main players in your market, SWOT analysis

    Identify the white space: We recognize areas for opportunity and growth for your brand

    Define target audience(s): We identify specific customer segments to focus on

    Craft value proposition: We articulate unique benefits for your target audience

    Write mission/vision: We define the purpose and aspirational future of your brand

    Develop audience personas: We create detailed profiles of ideal customers

    Establish brand positioning/voice: We define your brand's market position and communication style

    Differentiate your brand: We write your unique selling proposition (USP) for marketing and sales

  • OUR PROCESS

    Craft origin story: We develop a compelling narrative about your brand's beginnings

    Set design direction: We develop mood boards for overall aesthetic

    Create logo options: We design logos capturing brand personality

    Develop packaging design: We create appealing, functional packaging reflecting your brand identity

    Establish usage rules: We create guidelines for logo, typography, and visual elements

    Apply across touchpoints: We implement cohesive design across all brand materials

    Plan structure/UX: We organize content and layout for optimal experience

    Implement CMS: We choose and integrate your content management system

    Launch and train: We deploy your website and provide maintenance instructions

  • OUR PROCESS 

    Identify products: We determine your core and innovative coffee products to launch, referencing the competitive landscape

    Select partners: We choose trusted co-packing manufacturers for production

    Plan financials: We establish timeline, budget, and cost of goods

    Refine and prepare: We optimize formulations and strategize for market entry

    Launch and scale: We execute controlled rollouts and scale production based on market response

  • OUR PROCESS

    Define objectives: We establish clear, measurable goals that drive revenue growth - from enterprise KPIs to consumer conversion metrics

    Craft messaging: We develop powerful content that converts prospects - addressing business challenges or creating emotional connections

    Optimize channels: We identify the highest-performing platforms - thought leadership channels for decision-makers, engagement platforms for consumers

    Allocate budget: We invest resources where they generate the greatest returns - strategic for long cycles, tactical for quick conversions

    Target customers: We identify ideal prospects with the highest lifetime value potential - companies ready to scale, consumers ready to engage

    Implement sales approaches: We design customized strategies - consultative for complex solutions, streamlined for consumer purchasing

    Orchestrate sales channels: We create the perfect blend of sales pathways - field teams and partners for enterprises, digital and retail for consumers

    Establish pricing: We balance competitive positioning with healthy margins - value-based for corporations, transparent for individuals

  • OUR PROCESS

    Analyze workflow: We map efficient processes for staff movement and service flow

    Position equipment: We arrange coffee-making equipment for optimal staff efficiency

    Design interaction: We create layouts fostering engagement during order and service

    Optimize queues: We implement systems for smooth customer flow and reduced wait times

    Align brand: We ensure design reflects company values and identity

    Select materials: We plan layouts with durable, brand-relevant materials

    Design lighting: We create appropriate ambiance and diverse seating options

    Establish decor: We add brand-enhancing artwork and decorative elements

  • OUR PROCESS

    Conduct market research: Analyze local preferences and industry trends

    Develop offerings and pricing: Create appealing, profitable menu reflecting brand identity 

    Test and refine: Gather feedback and optimize menu items

    Plan seasonal rotations: Strategize for periodic menu updates and specials

    Prepare handoff: Create drink standards and training manual for staff

READY TO GROW YOUR COFFEE BRAND?

Curious about how your coffee brand can stand out?
Schedule a free brainstorming session to uncover key opportunities. 

Step 1:

Send a message. Share your challenges and goals,
and we’ll get back to you quickly to discuss how we can help.

Step 2:

Schedule a brainstorming session. Together, we’ll identify your brand’s opportunities, challenges,
and ways to set you apart from your competition.

Step 3:

Receive a custom proposal. After our session, we’ll send you a tailored proposal
outlining the next steps and a clear plan of action for your brand.

Our Work