Women to Watch: Nachely Martinez, Founder of Sweet Colada
- WBC of Kentucky
- May 14
- 3 min read
If you were at our first Strong Women, Strong Coffee event in Louisville this year, you already know, the coffee hit differently.
That’s because it came from one of our own.
Nachely Martinez, founder of Sweet Colada and a Women’s Business Center of Kentucky board member, helped us kick off 2026 with quality coffee, culture, warmth, and a sense of intention you could feel from the first sip.
The idea for Sweet Colada began to brew in 2020, when Nachely moved to Louisville in the middle of uncertainty, returning home to live with her mom and supporting her vision for Sweet Havana.
“I was always so inspired by what she was creating, despite the endless hours and no days off… over time, and with the right support system, I began to wake up to the idea that I wanted to continue my mother’s legacy and build something that was scalable and honored our culture.”
With the support of her family and partner, what once felt like a risk began to feel like direction.
“Having a supportive partner and a family to lean on also helped me see the risk of entrepreneurship as less scary.”
“I spent a lot of time imagining what my business would feel like and the personality it would exude. I pictured what my life would look like and how it would impact my family.”
And then came the moment of clarity of her purpose:
“I imagined having the worst days ever, and even in the suck, I still felt so much love for the project. That’s when I knew it was the right decision to make.”
That level of intention is immediately visible when you walk into Sweet Colada.
The space is deliberate. The experience is immersive. And the foundation is deeply personal.
“The products are my mom’s recipes; to be able to share them with people in a space I curated to be the most representative of my culture feels fulfilling in ways I never imagined.”
The response from the community has only affirmed that she made the right call.
“I’m most proud of the positive acceptance my business has had thus far… seeing people enjoy it and hearing the feedback has made me the most grateful for this journey.”
Nachely first connected with the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky through social media, drawn in by the energy and unity of the women involved.
“There’s so much power in unity and the energy is incredibly powerful.”
Today, as a board member, she’s helping strengthen the very ecosystem that supports other women stepping into entrepreneurship.
“The connections made are invaluable. As a business owner, who you know is a catapult to achieve your goals and dreams, I fully believe WBC has the power to move mountains.”
“Whether you’re in the idea stage of a business, or a veteran at your craft, come with an open mind, tell your story, and seek inspiration… WBC is a think tank of women who strive to leave their mark in the community, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
Nachely is proof that when one woman builds something meaningful, she rarely does it alone, and she keeps the door wide open for those ready for their turn.
Explore: sweetcoladaky.com
We’re proud to have Nachely as part of our leadership, our community, and our story, and we’re just as committed to supporting the next woman ready to build hers.
So, is it your turn? Get in touch with Women's Business Center
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