" 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…

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" 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…

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Telling Tales

How life as a spin doctor brought me to Blackcoffee  I started my career the way I lived my life, in the background. Trained as a reporter, I told other people’s stories. Then making the leap to government, my story telling powers helped politicians look good. I often say that I now use my powers for…

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" alt="The Blackcoffee Brand Manifeste">

The Blackcoffee Brand Manifeste

Plenty of businesses offer a premium product or service … but they’re not brands.  A business provides a service. Money changes hands and the transaction’s over.  A brand provides an experience, rolling out the red carpet for anyone with the moxie to show up.  And that’s just the beginning. Even from that first encounter with…

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" alt="Guiding Transformation – The Brand Oracle">

Guiding Transformation – The Brand Oracle

Unlock your brand’s potential with the perfect blend of research and intuition. oracle noun  or·a·cle   \  ˈȯr-ə-kəl ,  ˈär- \ a : a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions b : an authoritative or wise expression or answer When you sign up for Blackcoffee’s Brand Oracle, you’re signing up for an authoratative and wise view of your brand presence.  Blackcoffee…

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" alt="I’ll have what she’s having">

I’ll have what she’s having

I’m high maintenance so you don’t have to be There’s a restaurant scene in my favourite movie, When Harry Met Sally. No, not that one. The double date one, when Harry comments on Sally’s food ordering skills: “Sally is a great orderer. Not only does she pick the best thing on the menu, but she…

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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.