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Our Story

Dark Coffee started as a podcast in 2018, hosted by our Founder, Alice Lyons.

Alice initially wanted to normalise conversations around suicidality by sharing her own experiences. But Dark Coffee quickly branched into broader discussions around identity, mental health, and wellbeing – particularly in the context of the workplace.

When Alice joined an entrepreneur accelerator program in early 2019, it encouraged her to extend the offering further. Within six months, Dark Coffee had become a workplace wellbeing company, redefining mental health training with engaging coaching services and events.

More about Alice
Bright yellow podcast tile with bold black and white lettering reading: Dark Coffee presents: Mind Over Grind - work and wellbeing unfiltered

Mind Over Grind Podcast

"Thank you Alice for being a beacon of light for so many others around this sensitive subject. You’ve opened my eyes to a new way of thinking around this topic and you deliver it in such a beautiful way."

"So good to hear honest, BS-free conversations about mental health and how to manage it in work and everyday life."

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Alice's Story

Hi, I'm Alice - Founder and Director of Dark Coffee.

​I’m one of the 1 in 5 adults in the UK who has experienced thoughts of suicide.

The shame I felt around my mental ill health prevented me from seeking any help through my early twenties when I was experiencing depression and suicidality.

​By the age of 24, I was fully burnt out, and my body had a breakdown.

​I took time away from my job managing a coffee shop to have an operation. But during my recovery, I realised that my physical problems were a symptom of my mental and emotional state. This meant that I needed to start making some serious changes.

I discovered the concept of personal development through watching TED Talks on YouTube. I reached a comforting realisation that I wasn’t alone with my challenges – I didn’t need to feel ashamed and, most importantly, that I could empower myself to do things differently.

I began investing in my personal and professional development, exploring everything from mindfulness, journaling, and therapy to energy healing and spirituality, leading to massive changes in my lifestyle, work and relationships.

​My career started taking a vibrant and meandering path. I held leadership roles in hospitality and retail before retraining in interior design which eventually helped me fall into marketing and business development.

A call for adventure made me move from Bristol to Manchester with no friends, no job, and no clear plan. I trusted that I’d figure things out when I got here – and I’m happy to say it’s worked out well so far!

​I have been a part of the small business community for the last five years, and I combine my experiences of leading teams with my solid love of people to inform all of the work that I do with Dark Coffee.

I’ve designed it to be the company that I wish would have existed when I was struggling with my mental health on my own, to give other people the confidence, encouragement, and life skills to be able to bring their best selves to their work, life and relationships.

What We Do
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