We don’t always know it, but we’re surrounded by people who do cool things. Entrepreneurs, designers, artists, you name it — we love to be inspired, and we think you will too. We asked some of our friends to answer short questions about themselves relating to career, habits and life. Enjoy!
Ellie Eckert is the founder of Written Coffee, a small roastery based out of St. Petersburg, Florida. Each release of the brand’s coffee is batched as a “Chapter,” with Chapter One featuring beans from Guatemala and Chapter Two from Brazil. Ellie’s love of coffee runs deep — she started writing about coffee when she moved to New York City seven years ago (she’s now back in Florida).
Lindsay, Meant’s founder, and Ellie met through Instagram. It was over a shared love of metallic foil logos and good branding that a friendship blossomed, and we’re so excited to feature Ellie as our first Friends of Meant feature!
Name: Ellie Eckert
Job Title: Founder, Written Coffee
How did you get into this work?
When I moved to New York in 2010, I started a website (City Brewed) where I wrote about coffee shops around the city. I followed that passion, interviewing cafe owners, baristas, roasters — you name it — knowing that one day, the dream would be to have a coffee company of my own.
Desert-island product? A no-nonsense lip balm (like Lucas Papaw Ointment), and Glossier Cloud Paint. I use that stuff for everything – cheeks, eyelids – it's truly the best.
Signature scent? Byredo Mojave Ghost – always.
Go-to outfit? Vintage high-waist denim, a white button-down, lots of delicate gold jewelry, a cool pair of heels or boots, and a red lip. This is usually my go-to.
Guilty pleasure? Is coffee too obvious? I love to explore new coffee shops. Sitting in the corner of a cozy space (with a drip coffee and a pastry) will always be my favorite.
Favorite piece of furniture in your house? I've moved a lot over the past few years — like, cross-country moves and small apartments — but my favorite is a mid-century kidney-shaped coffee table that I found while I was living in LA. Swoon.
Last show you binge-watched? “The Sinner” — holy wow.
First concert? Backstreet Boys
Favorite vacation destination? I've had radically different experiences in every different location I've visited, all of them uniquely special. But I'd have to say Thailand was a favorite so far. We experienced so much in the two weeks we were there: some culture and spirituality, amazing food, adventure, and relaxation.
Favorite Instagram account? I recently came across @ikpowervintage and spent hours scrolling through their feed. I also love @paris.with.me. I may have impulsively bought a ticket to Paris after a few glasses of wine and a bit too much time scrolling through her account… You've been warned.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? "You can't scream do-over." OK, I know this is kind of morbid, but at the end, you really can't go back and start over. So go after that thing you want. Take chances. Speak your mind. Choose adventure. Follow your passions. I'm lucky to have some amazing people in my life who always seem to have the right advice at the right time. This advice feels all-encompassing.
App you can’t live without? I absolutely love Flipboard. It's like a magazine curated specifically what I want to read.
Quick fire, go!
Mascara or lipstick? Lipstick
Morning or night? Morning
Neat or messy? Neat
Beach or mountains? Beach by the mountains? OK fine. I'm a Florida girl. Beach.
Shower or bath? Bath
Coffee or tea? Coffee!
Bar soap or body wash? Body wash
Quality or quantity? Quality – always.
Shave or wax? Shave
Swear or don’t swear? Swear
On time or run late? On time
Flats or heels? Heels
Dogs or cats? Cats
3,000 unread emails or zero inbox? Zero
Toilet paper: under or over? Over
You can find Ellie and Written Coffee at:
