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

  Lisa Bastian, Founder

The air here is warm and misty, heavy with the scent of damp earth and green leaves that are only found in lush jungle-like environments.

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

Although she grew up in landlocked Ohio, each visit here transported Lisa to Paradise.

Generational family visits to the indoor rainforest continued for more than three decades, becoming a cherished ritual filled with wonder and discovery.

Coffee + Life at Home

Her beautiful mother has loved the Conservatory her whole life as well.

In fact, her 1956 wedding photos were taken there in front of the Palm House entrance, surrounded by the same lush greenery that would later inspire Lisa’s imagination.

More influences: At home, Elizabeth infused the spaces with tropical serenity—palm motifs, seashells, ocean hues, and artwork capturing the essence of coastal living. Family vacations to Florida beaches also deepened Lisa’s connection to the tropics and the gentle rhythm of island life.

And always, there was coffee brewing in the family home. Lisa became a fan of this beverage early on—even when it was just a popular (but simple) run-of-the-mill "commercial blend" bought at the local grocery store.

Java (with creamer!) was regularly shared at the kitchen table, and each workday coffee was lovingly poured into the stainless-steel thermos her father took to all his workplace construction sites.

Business Trips + World-Class Coffee

Later in life, Lisa’s long and prolific career as an award-winning economic development, meetings and travel writer took her to the Caribbean, all over Europe, and the sun-drenched coasts of America.

While on these five-star business trips (sponsored by U.S. and foreign governments), curated coffees of every kind became her constant companion ~ from smooth espressos savored after elegant meals at castles and palaces, to rich, locally roasted brews enjoyed at luxury oceanfront resorts, bespoke restaurants, and swanky HQ offices.

Sipping superior coffee (often served in a grand style with luxury decanters and cups) always was part of every important business meeting, no matter what country Lisa visited.

Gourmet coffee, then and now, continues to be the universal language of warm hospitality, smart diplomacy and good taste.

Concurrently, in Lisa's "real" life away from the glitzy work trips, coffee continued to be a daily ritual for Lisa, especially when taking mini-vacays with family and friends. She enjoyed both premium Specialty Grade and commercial-grade brews.

Whether enjoying a cappuccino alone at a seaside café or sharing laughter and lattes beneath swaying palms, she found happiness in each coffee’s rich aromas and flavor-filled sips capturing the easy-living spirit of Paradise.

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

Health Scare Jumpstarts Wellness Journey

Tropics Lifestyle Coffee was never just about beautiful packaging or exceptional flavor. It was also about health, trust and responsibility—which is why choosing the right coffee roasters mattered so much.

Several years ago, Lisa experienced a serious health crisis. During her recovery (mission accomplished), she learned that regaining and maintaining wellness required a major shift in how she ate and drank. Clean, non-GMO foods became essential. Artificial ingredients were eliminated. Even daily rituals—like coffee drinking—had to change.

Out went sugar-laden creamers. In came stevia-sweetened alternatives. More importantly, Lisa began seeking out coffee that was certified clean—free from mold, yeast, heavy metals and mycotoxins—so she could enjoy her morning cup without compromising her health. That personal journey became the foundation of Tropics Lifestyle Coffee.

When the brand launched in 2025, Lisa made a clear decision: only the same high-integrity, responsibly sourced coffee she trusted for her own wellness would ever be sold. Every bean in the Art Box coffee collection would meet strict quality and safety standards—not just for exceptional taste, but for peace of mind.

Two Premium Coffee Collections

Today, Tropics Lifestyle Coffee exists so others can enjoy their daily ritual without reservation—savoring vibrant flavors, tropical inspiration, and coffee (particularly in the Art Box line-up) that supports a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.

This unique brand supports a daily coffee ritual rooted in quality, calm and a sense of escape.

The Art Box Coffee collection pairs Specialty Grade coffee—among the top 10% of coffee beans grown worldwide—with original tropical artwork. Each Art Box is offered in multiple formats, including 12 oz whole or ground coffee, 12-pack coffee pods, mushroom coffee, and instant coffee.

What distinguishes the Art Box collection is that the artwork is personally created and/or curated by Lisa. The visuals are not decorative add-ons; they are designed to be part of the experience. Color, compositio, and atmosphere are used thoughtfully to create a moment of pause and anticipation before the first sip.

Our founder's background in art began with childhood instruction. Later, 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 (DAAP). 

Although she decided to pursue writing over art, visual storytelling remained central to her career as a magazine editor. Collaborating closely with designers across corporate and lifestyle publications refined her artistic judgment that now shows up in the Art Box collection.

For everyday use, the Everyday Tropics collection offers the same Specialty Grade coffee quality in a more simplified format. This line includes all-natural flavored coffees, 12-pack coffee pods, mushroom coffee, and artisan loose-leaf teas. All are packaged in clean bags with a tropical-inspired label, suited perfectly for the daily sipping routines of those who appreciate luxury-level beverages.

Together, these two collections fulfill Lisa’s lifelong dream: to bring together premium coffee, captivating designs and a sense of adventure inspired by the tropics for coffee lovers everywhere.

Join our community in America spreading the news....Paradise should feel good, taste good and be good~ and that's what our coffee delivers!