Influencer
YouTube Star Turned CEO: How Emma Chamberlain’s $20M Coffee Brand Is Shaking Up The Industry
Emma Chamberlain is stepping into a new role as co-CEO of Chamberlain Coffee, the company she founded in 2019.
As co-founder and CCO, Chamberlain primarily focused on marketing and creative direction for social media campaigns and brand partnerships.
“The knowledge and experience I have gained over the last few years have made me feel confident in my ability to truly step up and co-run this company in a way I was not ready for prior,” she said in an interview with Forbes.
In her new position, the 22-year-old influencer will take on additional operations and business development responsibilities while continuing to lead marketing efforts.
Gustav Hossy, the company’s other co-founder and former COO, will join Chamberlain as co-CEO.
Hossy, who brings experience from his time as CEO of Danish eyewear brand Christopher Cloos, will handle traditional CEO duties, focusing on profitability and growth through market and retail expansion.
Forbes reports that the brand generated an estimated $20 million in revenue in 2023.
Chamberlain Coffee’s Market Presence
Chamberlain and Hossy told Forbes that Chamberlain Coffee experienced significant retail growth, increasing its presence from 1,000 storefronts in 2023 to over 12,000 in 2024.
Recent expansions include entry into Circle K stores across Canada and product collaborations with other celebrity-founded brands, such as Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila and Shay Mitchell’s BEIS luggage.
Chamberlain Coffee’s product line includes coffee beans, ready-to-drink canned lattes, and matcha powder. It is sold in major retailers like Target and Whole Foods and through direct-to-consumer channels online.
In the Forbes interview, Chamberlain cites her growing involvement in back-end business decisions, including retail strategy and team building, as preparation for her new role.
She acknowledges the learning curve since the company’s founding, stating that the experience gained over the last few years has bolstered her confidence in co-running the company.
Hossy also told Forbes that the brand’s strategy of targeting younger consumers, leveraging Chamberlain’s influence among her generation, is a key factor in disrupting the coffee category.