Inside the Oat Milk Revolution: Michelle Johnson’s Bold Journey from Barista to Trailblazing CEO

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Michelle R. Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Ghost Town Oats, an oat milk brand shaking up the specialty coffee scene. Michelle also runs The Chocolate Barista, a blog focusing on her experiences as a Black woman in coffee. With 13 years in the industry, she shares how she fell in love with café culture, discovered specialty coffee in Washington, DC, and embarked on a journey that led her to competitive barista events—all while embracing fear and uncertainty.

Michelle opens up about the power of leaning into discomfort to spark true innovation and growth. She reveals how her fear propelled her to challenge norms in the alt-milk space and why speaking up about representation in coffee matters. From reflecting on her early barista days to envisioning future creative projects, Michelle offers a candid look at what it takes to carve your own path—and how even the scariest ventures can lead to incredible opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to blend passion, purpose, and entrepreneurship in a way that disrupts an industry, this episode is for you. Don’t miss Michelle’s insights on fear, responsibility, and the lessons she’s learned at the helm of one of the most exciting new companies in specialty coffee.