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Devin: What is your superpower?
Nikki: My superpower is focusing on what I can do. I can figure out a way.
Momentum Coffee is more than just a place to grab your morning latte. Co-founded by Nikki Bravo, the Chicago-based coffee shop chain is building something bigger than beverages—it’s creating intentional spaces for connection, growth, and community impact in underserved neighborhoods.
As Nikki explains, “Momentum Coffee isn’t just about business. Mission is at the core. We wouldn’t be doing this just to make money. This really is about the communities and how we serve them.” From offering high-quality coffee and tea to creating jobs that keep dollars circulating locally, every decision at Momentum Coffee is rooted in purpose.
What sets Momentum apart is its deliberate focus on under-resourced areas. Nikki and her husband, Tracy Powell, are careful about where they open locations and how they engage with the community. “Spaces in under-resourced areas need places where people can convene and be together,” Nikki says. “Momentum Coffee is able to do all of those things.”
Beyond the café experience, Momentum Coffee is actively shaping people’s lives. Nikki shared the story of an employee—a single mother of two—who, after working at Momentum for two years, became a first-time homeowner. “What we see here, what we’re growing here at Momentum Coffee, is a lot of possibility,” Nikki says.
In addition to its community-driven mission, Momentum Coffee recently launched a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign through Honeycomb Credit. This initiative invites supporters from across the country to invest in the company, helping it expand its impact while offering a financial return. “Through crowdfunding, it allows us not only to grow so that we impact more people, but have more people do that with us,” Nikki explains.
Momentum Coffee’s power-button logo symbolizes action and empowerment, perfectly reflecting its mission. With four locations and counting, Nikki and Tracy are proving that a coffee shop can do far more than serve drinks—it can create opportunities, empower individuals, and build stronger communities.
By supporting their crowdfunding campaign, investors can help Momentum Coffee continue its inspiring work while becoming part of the journey.
tl;dr:
Momentum Coffee builds community in underserved neighborhoods by creating intentional spaces for connection.
Nikki Bravo’s team uses crowdfunding to expand while engaging and empowering their community.
The coffee shop chain provides jobs that help employees achieve life-changing milestones like homeownership.
Nikki’s superpower—focusing on actionable solutions—enabled Momentum Coffee to thrive during the pandemic.
This episode highlights how mission-driven businesses can create impact while remaining financially sustainable.
How to Develop Focusing on What You Can Do As a Superpower
Nikki’s superpower is their ability to focus on actionable solutions, no matter the challenge. As Nikki explains, “My superpower is focusing on what I can do. I can figure out a way.” This mindset has been key to navigating obstacles as a business owner, community leader, and parent. Nikki describes this strength as the ability to recognize the situation at hand and then take steps toward a solution.
When Nikki and her husband opened a new Momentum Coffee location in early 2020, the pandemic forced the city to shut down just as they were ready to launch. Instead of giving up, Nikki pivoted. “We got an online solution and served coffee and pastries at the front door,” Nikki recalls. This step-by-step approach allowed Momentum to survive the early days of the pandemic and later thrive as a full-service café.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
Start by identifying what is within your control and focus your energy there.
Break challenges into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Encourage others to take ownership of problems by asking, “What can you do?”
Celebrate small wins to build confidence and momentum.
Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset rather than dwelling on barriers.
By following Nikki’s example and advice, you can make focusing on what you can do a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Nikki Bravo (she/her):
Co-Founder and CEO, Momentum Coffee
About Momentum Coffee: Momentum Coffee is a Chicago-based coffee brand that pairs high-quality coffee service with deep community impact. Co-founded by Nikki Bravo and Tracy Powell, Momentum serves coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches across multiple locations in under-resourced neighborhoods, while also roasting its own beans and offering catering, wholesale, and a small business food incubator. Guided by its mission, “Rooted in Community, Powered by Coffee,” Momentum is committed to local hiring, workforce development, and partnerships that uplift entrepreneurs. More than a café, Momentum is a community anchor—creating welcoming spaces, training opportunities, and real economic mobility—while expanding its roasting and distribution program into a scalable, impact-driven coffee brand positioned for growth.
Website: momentumcoffee.org
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/momentumcoffeeandcoworking/about
Other URL: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/momentum-coffee
Biographical Information: Nikki Bravo is a seasoned entrepreneur, community builder, and business leader dedicated to advancing equity, access, and economic opportunity. She is the Founder of Momentum Coffee and Coworking, a mission-driven social enterprise addressing inequities in the coffee shop and coworking space by creating welcoming, community-centered environments across Chicago. A Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum, Nikki brings deep expertise in finance, administration, and operations, with a proven ability to launch, scale, and sustain ventures that blend profitability with social impact.
In addition to Momentum Coffee, Nikki serves as Executive Director of Ignite Technology and Innovation, a nonprofit developing affordable, technology-enabled workspaces in underserved communities worldwide. Her career also includes senior leadership roles with the City of Chicago and the Public Building Commission, where she oversaw complex operations across finance, human resources, and workforce development. Known for her collaborative leadership style and cross-functional expertise, Nikki is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, supporting local economies, and building inclusive ecosystems where communities can thrive.
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/nikkibravo
Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/nikkirbravo
Instagram Handle: @bravo_nikki
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Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will feature Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leading a session on “Designing a Winning Marketing Strategy for Your Investment Offering.” Drawing on his deep experience in impact crowdfunding and investment storytelling, Devin will break down the essential elements of building a marketing strategy that attracts, engages, and converts potential investors. Participants will learn how to identify and reach the right audience, craft messages that build trust, and develop a promotional plan that supports sustained momentum throughout a raise. Whether you’re preparing for your first regulated investment crowdfunding campaign or looking to strengthen an ongoing one, this SuperCrowdHour will provide the insights and practical frameworks you need to elevate your offering and boost investor participation.
SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don’t miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.
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