Thistle & Gold: The Brand Story

When I first dreamed of starting a coffee company, I knew I wanted it to be rooted in nature. As I searched for a name that reflected that connection, I kept coming back to one bird—my older son’s favorite—the goldfinch. Its favorite food? The thistle.

And just like that, Thistle & Gold was born.

The name felt like home. It connected our love for nature, my Scottish heritage (the thistle is Scotland’s national flower), and my partner Mike’s Egyptian roots—gold being a symbol of richness and beauty in both nature and culture. It’s a name with heart and history.

The inspiration didn’t stop there. Our logo tells a story too: the bird you see is descending toward a thistle—a moment frozen in flight, symbolizing harmony between plant and creature. It captures the delicate relationship we hope to honor through our coffee and conservation efforts.

When it came to naming our coffees, we leaned into that same nature-inspired vision. Each blend is named after a bird from the region where the beans are grown—birds that range from near threatened to critically endangered. It’s our way of honoring them, raising awareness, and supporting the ecosystems they depend on. Even the colors on our labels are drawn from each bird’s feathers.

We also donate 1% or more of our profits to BirdLife International, a nonprofit working to protect bird populations and their habitats worldwide. While coffee farming can impact bird habitats, we believe awareness and advocacy can lead to real change.

At Thistle & Gold, we’re here to brew more than just great coffee. We’re here to create connection, care for the planet, and celebrate the beauty that inspired it all.

xo,

The Gilded Finch