Inspired by the cultural significance of Arabic coffee, Shams Khazil founded Barakah Beans to create a warm, welcoming space where each cup fosters connection and joy, embodying the Arabic concept of “barakah” or blessing.
From signature drinks like the pistachio latte and Adeni chai to overcoming the challenges of running a women-led mobile coffee cart, Shams is dedicated to blending tradition with innovation. We speak with Shams about her new coffee pop up here in Orlando!
Tell us about yourself and your background
My name is Shams, and I’m the owner of Barakah Beans. I have a degree in accounting and am originally from Iraq. While my professional background is in Accounting , my true passion lies in creating warm, welcoming spaces where people can connect often over a cup of coffee. That passion is what brought Barakah Beans to life.
What inspired you to start Barakah Beans, and can you tell us more about Arabic coffee?
Barakah Beans was born from a lifelong dream. After losing my job, I saw an opportunity to finally pursue my passion and build something meaningful. Coffee has always been a source of comfort and connection for me especially Arabic coffee, which plays a big role in our culture. Arabic coffee isn’t just about the taste; it’s about the ritual, the warmth, and the community it fosters. That tradition continues to inspire everything we do at Barakah Beans.
The name ‘Barakah’ means ‘blessing’ in Arabic. How does this concept influence your mission or the experience you want to create for customers?
The concept of barakah is central to who we are. We want each visit to Barakah Beans to be a small blessing in someone’s day, whether it’s through a smile, a meaningful conversation, or a cup of thoughtfully crafted coffee. It’s about creating moments of joy, peace, and presence.
What flavors or signature drinks should customers expect at Barakah Beans, and how do they reflect your cultural heritage?
Our menu reflects both my roots and creativity. Signature drinks include the Adeni chai—a fragrant Arabic chai with cardamom and warm spices—the pistachio latte, and our crowd-favorite Dubai chocolate latte. These drinks bring together traditional flavors with a modern twist, offering customers something familiar yet exciting.
What have been some of the most popular items so far?
Our pistachio latte and Dubai chocolate coffee have quickly become customer favorites. They’re rich, comforting, and unique exactly what we want our drinks to be. These drinks have really connected with people and represent the balance of tradition and innovation that we aim for.
Starting a pop-up comes with challenges, especially as a women-led venture. What hurdles have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Running a mobile coffee cart has been rewarding, but also physically and emotionally challenging. One big hurdle has been the physical labor—setting up and transporting equipment on my own is no small feat. As a woman, I’ve also had to navigate spaces where I’ve had to prove myself more than once. But with persistence, faith, and a supportive community, I’ve continued pushing forward. Every challenge has made me more resilient.
What’s next for Barakah Beans? Are you dreaming of a permanent location, new menu items, or maybe expanding beyond Orlando?
We’re dreaming big! Our next goal is to open a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Orlando. We’re also working on expanding our menu to include more unique offerings rooted in our cultural heritage. Eventually, we’d love to expand into new cities—but no matter where we go, the heart of Barakah Beans will always be about community, culture, and intentional coffee.
At Barakah Beans, we aim to build community and connection. We’ve supported local causes, partnered with organizations for charitable efforts, and created spaces that encourage people to slow down and engage with one another. We’re more than just coffee we’re about cultivating belonging and giving back however we can.
Follow them online, or book them for an event at @barakahbeans on Instagram!
