October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to recognize the women entrepreneurs whose ideas, hard work and leadership make an impact in their communities.
Throughout October, Citizens Bank & Trust Co. is celebrating local women in business by sharing their stories on how they got started, what they’ve learned and what keeps them moving forward.
Our first Women in Business Spotlight features Heather Finnell, owner of Mocha Motion LLC.
A Dream Years in the Making
For Heather, owning a coffee business was a dream that started long before Mocha Motion served its first drink.
“I’ve wanted to own a coffee shop since I was 14 years old,” Heather said. “It was always a dream of mine, but I never really thought I’d actually get to do it.”
That changed when her husband encouraged her to explore the idea of a mobile coffee trailer. Suddenly, the dream felt possible.
Heather began asking questions, connecting with people who could help guide her and taking the steps to turn her idea into a business. In the summer of 2025, Mocha Motion officially soft-opened.
Today, the mobile coffee trailer serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew, chai and seasonal favorites throughout Hutchinson and the surrounding area. You’ll find Mocha Motion at local businesses, fairs, community celebrations, private gatherings and other events.
But for Heather, it has always been about more than what’s in the cup.
“I love creating a welcoming experience, getting to know people, and being a small part of the moments that bring our community together.”
The People Behind the Business
Ask Heather what she enjoys most about owning a business in the Hutchinson area, and her answer is easy: the people.
She loves seeing familiar faces, meeting new customers and becoming part of the events and everyday moments happening throughout the community.
“I love when someone comes back and tells me their favorite drink or when I get to be part of someone’s birthday, wedding, fundraiser, school event, or just their normal morning,” she said. “Hutchinson and the surrounding communities have supported me in ways I’ll never take for granted.”
That support has helped Mocha Motion grow quickly. In its first year, the business received the Glencoe Chamber’s new-business award and was named New Vendor of the Year following Heather’s first McLeod County Fair.
While those recognitions mean a lot, Heather says some of her proudest accomplishments can’t be measured by an award.
“It’s the people I’ve met, the relationships I’ve built, and seeing people get excited when they see the trailer pull up.”
Learning Along the Way
Like many business owners, Heather has learned that entrepreneurship doesn’t come with all the answers.
“I’ve learned that you don’t have to know everything,” she said. “There is always something new to learn, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
She’s also learned to give herself grace, listen to advice, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
“Being a business owner takes a lot more than just loving what you do. It takes patience, consistency, faith, and a willingness to keep going even on the days when things don’t go the way you hoped.”
What’s Next for Mocha Motion?
Heather hopes to continue growing Mocha Motion while holding onto the personal connection that has been such an important part of the business from the beginning.
She would like to grow catering and private events, partner with more local businesses and organizations, and bring Mocha Motion to additional communities. At the same time, success for Heather isn’t simply about getting bigger.
“My biggest goal is to build something I’m proud of while still being able to be there for my kids and my family.”
Her advice to other women considering starting or growing a business reflects the same approach she took when starting Mocha Motion:
“Just start. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you take that first step. Ask questions, find people who believe in you, learn from people who have been there before, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
Citizens Bank & Trust Co. is proud to celebrate Heather and the many women entrepreneurs who bring their ideas, talents and determination to our community.
Our Women in Business Spotlight Series is sponsored by CB Express, our streamlined loan option for business financing.
