Today we’d like to introduce you to Geliece Golson.
Hi Geliece, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Get Up’n Joe mobile coffee cart didn’t start as a business idea. It started at a kitchen table.
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting with my aunt, Gracie Golson, affectionately known as GG, taking small, quiet sips of coffee and just being together. GG was so much more than an aunt. She was a mother, a grandmother, a cosmetologist, a teacher, a community anchor, and one of my biggest supporters. As a young girl, it wasn’t really about the coffee. It was about connection and feeling like I mattered. That feeling stayed with me.
As I grew older, I followed a path that many would consider traditional, earning my undergraduate degree in Business from Immaculata University and later a master’s in Human Resources from Villanova University. But even as I built my career, there was always something pulling at my heart. It was this desire to create something of my own, something rooted in meaning.
I never wanted to start just another coffee business. I wanted to build something that honored where I came from and the woman who shaped me. Get Up’n Joe is that tribute. Every cup we serve is rooted in the spirit of GG’s warmth, generosity, and her ability to bring people together. I often say that I dedicate every cup to her, hoping to share the same love, comfort, and sense of belonging that she gave so freely.
The journey hasn’t been perfect or predictable. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to navigate uncertainty, take risks, and trust my vision even when the path wasn’t clear. But through it all, my “why” has never changed. Get Up’n Joe is about creating a space, a moment, or even just a feeling where someone can pause, reset, and know they belong.
Where we are today is a reflection of that purpose. What started as a memory has grown into something living and breathing, where connection still sits at the center of it all. In many ways, I’m still that little girl at the table. Only now, I get to invite others to pull up a chair.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and honestly, I don’t think it was ever meant to be.
Building Get Up’n Joe required me to step into spaces I had never navigated before. From understanding regulatory requirements to developing detailed plan documents for the health department, there were moments that felt overwhelming. It wasn’t just about having a vision, it was about translating that vision into something that met every standard, every guideline, and every expectation behind the scenes.
One of the most challenging moments was the loss of my commissary kitchen. It felt like having the foundation pulled out from under me at a time when I was still building. There was uncertainty, frustration, and moments where I had to pause and really ask myself what came next.
However, what I’ve learned through all of this is that when something feels really hard, it’s often because you’re in the process of creating something meaningful. Growth doesn’t come from what’s easy or predictable. It comes from figuring things out when the answers aren’t clear. Every obstacle forced me to get sharper, to get more creative, and to deepen my commitment to why I started in the first place. It reminded me that Get Up’n Joe isn’t just a business. It’s a purpose I continue to choose every day.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth but every challenge has become part of the story I’m proud to tell.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a builder of opportunities and of experiences that bring others together.
My journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in over 20 years of experience in Human Resources across both the private and public sectors. That work shaped how I lead, how I problem-solve, and how I show up for others. HR taught me how to listen, how to navigate complexity and how to build systems that actually support growth.
Alongside that, my experience as a real estate investor gave me a different lens. It sharpened my business acumen, strengthened my decision-making, and taught me how to take calculated risks. It pushed me to think long-term, to see potential where others might not, and to understand the importance of building something sustainable.
Right now, that comes to life through our coffee cart when we are booked for corporate and private catering. The future vision involves expansion into building a commissary kitchen model that will deepen our ability to serve and connect with the community. Everything we do is designed to meet people where they are. What sets us apart is that every interaction is intentional.
What I’m most proud of is that I didn’t wait for the “perfect” moment or permission to start. I took everything I’ve learned over the years and poured it into something that reflects who I am and what I value. Every step forward is a reflection of the journey it took to get here.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The support piece truly means everything to me. The easiest way to stay connected is through our social platforms, where we share the behind the scenes, upcoming events, and what we’re building next. Following, engaging, and sharing our content helps us reach more people.
Also I invite people to join our The Commissary Gap for PA Food & Beverage Vendors Facebook group. That space is part of a bigger vision I’m building; a place for community, collaboration, and opportunity. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative, or someone just looking to be connected, that’s where a lot of our next chapter is taking shape.
And lastly, one of the most meaningful ways to support us is simple; share Get Up’n Joe with the people you know and love. Tell a friend, visit us at an event, or recommend us for collaborations. Word of mouth has been one of the most powerful parts of this journey.
For collaborations, partnerships, or bookings, we’re always open to working with organizations, businesses, and community events that align with our mission of connection and impact.
To learn more about Geliece or to book Get Up’n Joe for your next event, visit www.getupnjoe.com.
Email: hello@getupnjoe.com | Phone: (267) 717-8183 | Instagram: @getupnjoe_ | LinkedIn: Get Up’n Joe (linkedin.com/company/get-upn-joe)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getupnjoe.com/
- Instagram: @getupnjoe_
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/get-upn-joe
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@GetUpnJoe
Image Credits
Cecelia Weiler Cweilerphotography18@gmail.com
