" alt="All I really need to know I learned in journalism school">

All I really need to know I learned in journalism school

One morning a few months ago, my darling kiddo sent me a text from school announcing she was going to take journalism in university. Whoa. I thought she was teasing me and quickly texted back “Oh good. So many journalism jobs these days … um no. Print is dead!” I was wrong – not on…

Read more...
" alt="Finding the big picture">

Finding the big picture

The online world of entrepreneurship is wonderful, but it’s also a place where anyone can create a blog and happily share misinformation with the unsuspecting masses.  Everyone’s an expert as they shill copy, websites, social media strategies and the like. They’re copywriters, content creators, coaches, influencers, social media gurus, and they want your money.  All are…

Read more...
" alt="Prioritize Pretty">

Prioritize Pretty

Dreamy websites don’t just look good, they convert  It happened again last week. I was slipped a know-it-all blog written by someone who didn’t know at all what they were talking about. It was a silly piece really – warning about the pitfalls of a beautiful website.  Sound the alarms –  the biggest mistake you…

Read more...
" alt="Finding Freedom">

Finding Freedom

Earlier today, my friend Kate posted to Facebook about how she spent the early years of her kids’ lives searching for flexibility in the corporate world. Looking for a ‘flexible’ job that would allow her to be there for her family when needed.  “I don’t think any parent should ever have to run it by…

Read more...
" alt="Just Breathe">

Just Breathe

Sunday, October 14, I woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. The FLU. It struck hard and fast and lasted a long, long time. I was miserable. However, my forced convalescence taught me that if you don’t take a break – think lazy tequila-soaked beach weeks, Netflix and pjs Saturdays, laptop-free long…

Read more...
" alt="Brand Styling in 2019">

Brand Styling in 2019

I’m not a fan of talking about brand or graphic design trends. I honestly believe the best thing you can do for your business is to create a brand that stands the test of time. But as we look to 2019, I’m hopeful that some of the current fads will fade. I’ll happily wave good-bye…

Read more...
Shannon Larkins

Shannon Larkins

Hi I’m Shannon, founder of Blackcoffee. A former reporter, spin doctor and politico, I now focus on using those instincts where they matter most.

I create powerful brands for clients and help shape how their stories are understood in the world. I’m also rather addicted to my nutty family, dogs with pushed-in faces, Mexico and of course coffee ... black.