Our Story
‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ – Anon.
Little did Joy-Full Cups’ founder Debbie know just how literally she’d eventually take that sage proverb!
The jigsaw pieces clicked into place in summer 2025, when her then-dream job as a local government community engagement manager, was deleted. The team’s direction hair-pinned into systems and process, leaving her with a choice: a future buried in Excel spreadsheets, or redundancy.
It was a no-brainer. The thought of applying for another council middle-management job, with all the stick and none of the perks, was deeply unappealing. With nothing lined up, but zero hesitation, she filed her wish to be paid to leave.
As often happens when you keep an open mind and a strong faith in the power of manifestation; within days of her redundancy being confirmed, the local coffee man (who kept the school parents and teachers caffeinated) put up a sign announcing his retirement by Christmas, and advertising the sale of his van.
At first, it was a tongue-in-cheek conversation. After all, she loved coffee and didn’t have anything better to do…
Then he started talking. And suddenly, it all aligned; and she realised that it was just what she wanted from her next move. Better still, she could afford it thanks to the discovery of a start-up loan initiative by Biz Britain.
After 48 hours of mulling it over, the idea of owning a coffee van wasn’t a pipe dream anymore.
And so, Joy-Full Cups was born.
Now, as a self-confessed ‘accidental businesswoman’, Debbie is loving the experience of doing something that tangibly lifts people’s spirits every day and gives her freedom and flexibility to adapt to her customers and build something ethical, sustainable, inclusive and totally unique.
She’s occasionally helped out by a slightly bemused husband who doesn’t like coffee, and constantly distracted by two very young children who will be trained in the art of milk frothing as soon as they’re old enough not to sneeze in the jug. And she certainly wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the unerring support of her long-suffering parents.
And what’s the ‘Collective’?
Debbie is lucky enough to harbor the secret powers of neurodiversity. Coupled with the deeper understanding of her strengths that comes with age, she now prides herself on being Jack of All Trades; master of whatever project she chooses to embark upon next. Not one to let two decades of career experience and qualifications go to waste, she also offers services in community engagement, public relations, and event planning (when she’s not making a decent cuppa on the van).
Community Engagement & Communications
Debbie has a tireless ability to conjure up exciting new ways to reach diverse audiences. She’s probably one of the best people she knows at brainstorming whacky ideas, often starting with “probably too experimental” and ending with a perfect blend of innovative and realistic. And unlike some, who may dream up ideas but never act on them, Debbie works, quite literally, obsessively, to make them happen.
Knot Petals
After embarking on a marathon macramé mission to make her own wedding bouquet, Debbie discovered she rather liked the craft. The appeal? No fiddly needles like crochet or knitting.
She carved out a niche in floral displays; creating beautiful arrangements that never die. It’s her way of easing the guilt that comes with gifting and receiving fresh flowers that only last a week.
To find out more about the numerous strings on her bow and find out how she can support your next project, drop Debbie a line.