2026 Pirate Anne Small Business Scholarship Winner

At Pirate Anne, we believe that when women support women, incredible things happen. That’s why we’re so proud to announce Denise Spalding, owner of Azucar Coffee, as the recipient of our 2026 Pirate Anne Small Business Scholarship.

Denise’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and community. A Cuban women and lover of Cuban coffee, she realized there was something missing in Greenville, North Carolina—a place where people could enjoy authentic Cuban coffee without traveling far from home. Instead of waiting for someone else to bring it to town, she decided to do it herself.

Like many great small business stories, Azucar Coffee started small. Denise began by serving coffee right out of her front yard before taking the leap into pop-up events across the community—all while continuing to work her full-time job at ECU Health. Little by little, customers fell in love not only with her coffee but with the warmth and hospitality she poured into every cup.

The name Azucar Coffee carries special meaning. It comes from a song Denise used to sing with a beloved family member, making the business a daily reminder of family, love, and cherished memories. Today, that same family spirit continues to fuel the business. Azucar Coffee has grown into a women-led family operation, with Denise’s children working alongside her as the business continues to flourish.

Thanks to overwhelming support from the Greenville community, Denise recently took one of the biggest leaps an entrepreneur can make—leaving her full-time career to pursue Azucar Coffee full-time. It’s a testament to her hard work, determination, and the incredible customers who believed in her dream.

Denise plans to use her $500 Pirate Anne Small Business Scholarship to purchase a decaf coffee grinder, allowing her to grind fresh decaf beans for each order.

We’re honored to play a small part in Denise’s journey and can’t wait to watch Azucar Coffee continue to grow. Congratulations, Denise! Your story is a reminder that with courage, community, and a whole lot of heart, dreams really can become reality.

Here’s to the next chapter—and plenty of cafecitos along the way.