From the time Lisa was a baby, her mother took her to Cincinnati’s world-famous Krohn Conservatory, where a breathtaking tropical rainforest has thrived for decades beneath the soaring glass canopy of its spectacular Palm House.

Inside the Palm House, the air is warm and misty, rich with the scent of damp earth and green leaves found only in lush, jungle-like environments.

Towering palms arch overhead like the pillars of a green cathedral. Ferns and orchids shimmer in the light, while a 25-foot waterfall spills into a stream alive with tiny fish.

Although she grew up in landlocked Ohio, every visit transported Lisa to Paradise. Family trips to the indoor rainforest continued for more than three decades, becoming a cherished tradition filled with wonder and discovery.

Coffee + Life at Home

Lisa’s mother loved the conservatory throughout her life. Her 1956 wedding photographs were taken in front of the Palm House entrance, surrounded by the same lush greenery that would later inspire Lisa’s imagination.

At home, Elizabeth created a sense of tropical serenity with palm motifs, seashells, ocean hues and artwork inspired by coastal living. Family vacations to Florida beaches deepened Lisa’s connection to the tropics and the gentle rhythm of island life.

And there was always coffee brewing. Lisa developed an early appreciation for the beverage—even when the family’s daily cup was a simple commercial blend from the local grocery store. Coffee with creamer was shared at the kitchen table, and each workday her father carried a stainless-steel thermos lovingly filled for his construction job sites.

Business Trips + World-Class Coffee

Later, Lisa’s long career as an award-winning economic-development, meetings and travel writer took her throughout the Caribbean and Europe and along the sun-drenched coasts of America.

On five-star business trips—including assignments sponsored by U.S. and foreign governments—curated coffees became her constant companion: smooth espressos after elegant meals at castles and palaces, locally roasted brews at oceanfront resorts, and beautifully served coffee at sophisticated restaurants and headquarters.

Superior coffee, often presented with handsome decanters and cups, was part of important meetings in every country Lisa visited. Gourmet coffee became a universal language of warm hospitality, thoughtful diplomacy and good taste.

Away from those glamorous assignments, coffee remained a treasured daily ritual—especially during small getaways with family and friends. Whether enjoying a cappuccino at a seaside café or sharing laughter and lattes beneath swaying palms, Lisa found happiness in the aromas, flavors and sense of escape within every cup.

These personal and professional experiences became the roots of Tropics Lifestyle Coffee.

A Health Scare Begins a Wellness Journey

Tropics Lifestyle Coffee was never only about beautiful packaging or exceptional flavor. It was also about health, trust and responsibility—which made choosing the right coffee roasters essential.

Several years ago, Lisa experienced a serious health crisis. During her successful recovery, she learned that regaining and maintaining wellness required a major shift in how she ate and drank. Clean, non-GMO foods became important, artificial ingredients were eliminated, and even daily rituals such as coffee had to change.

Out went sugar-laden creamers; in came stevia-sweetened alternatives. More importantly, Lisa sought coffee tested for mold, yeast, heavy metals and mycotoxins so she could enjoy her morning cup with greater peace of mind. That personal journey became part of the foundation of Tropics Lifestyle Coffee.

When the brand launched in 2025, Lisa made a clear decision: She would sell the same high-integrity, responsibly sourced coffee she trusted for herself. Every selection in the Art Box Coffee collection would meet strict standards for quality, safety and flavor.

Two Premium Coffee Collections

Today, Tropics Lifestyle Coffee offers a daily ritual rooted in quality, calm and a sense of escape.

Lisa’s background in art began with childhood instruction. As a young adult, she was accepted into the internationally recognized graphic-design program at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

Although she ultimately chose writing over art, visual storytelling remained central to her career as a magazine editor. Years of collaborating closely with designers across corporate and lifestyle publications refined the artistic judgment now expressed throughout the Art Box collection.

Together, these collections fulfill Lisa’s lifelong dream: bringing premium coffee, captivating design and a sense of tropical adventure to coffee lovers everywhere.