Crystal Bilby had dreamed for long time about owning a small business.

But it was a dream, a literal dream, by her spouse that got things perking along.

Her husband, Jason, woke up one day and said, “That’s it. I had a dream to start a coffee wagon.”

She said, “We felt God was telling us to where to start.”

Crystal said that they then began to research what was involved in starting and running a small business.

“The next thing we needed was a coffee wagon,” she said. “The choices that were in this area were not what we had in mind, so we ended up having a custom one built special just for us, from Nashville.

“Our graphics are designed and put on our wagon by Atomic Graphics. The wagon is totally portable. I can take it home at night, clean it all up and it’s ready for the next day.”

She credits her husband for his behind-the-scenes work, calling him “my logistics guy.”

“He took care of all the plumbing things we needed for the water system,” Crystal said. “We use only bottled water for our coffees, teas and coco.

CJ’s Cup of Joe uses coffee roasted in Allentown for the business by Mad Catter Coffee Roasters.

“Our coffee is unique and has our name on the label,” the Slatington woman said. “Our name comes from my grandfather and my husband’s grandfather; both were named Joe. They loved coffee.”

In addition to coffee, the business also has Mary Ann Donut Kitchen doughnuts, muffins from Baker Ben’s Bakery and biscotti.

“We are so excited to have been approved by Slatington Borough zoning to have our coffee wagon where we live,” Crystal said. The wagon is located at the Slatington Trailhead, 89 Main St.

On her first day of business, she sold 100 cups of coffee.

Crystal thanked people for supporting her on that first day, including residents, family members and friends, calling herself “very fortunate.”

When Crystal is finished with her coffee wagon, she goes to her second job as office manager at Marc’s Auto in Catasauqua. She also serves on the Northern Lehigh School Board.

CJ’s Cup of Joe is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

John 3:16 is emblazoned on the coffee wagon: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“We are believers in our faith,” Crystal said. “I also believe that small businesses need each other (or) big business will take over. I would help anyone to flourish in a small business. We need to all work together!”