Our Story
We do not have to be defined by our circumstances. However, life challenges can reshape our paths and challenge us to grow. Such was the case for me and my two sons, as we navigated a unique loss that transitioned our family of four to a trio.
My Personal “Grind”
My background in journalism and marketing provided me with a diverse skill set. This allowed me the fluidity to move from freelance work to a corporate position once I acquired the pressure of becoming a one-income household. Eventually, the exhaustion of life circumstances led me to pause and process. The importance of work-life balance became imminent as I wanted to ensure that my children would not grow up in a cliché, single-parent home where quality time would go by the wayside.
A Calling for Coffee
As I cleared my mind and truly did some soul-searching, it made way for a quiet, consistent murmur in the back of my mind. The word ‘coffee’ ruminated my thoughts even against my efforts to ignore it. This calling would soon have me risk everything to restart my career and seek the life of a “coffeepreneur.”
In 2019, I walked into a Starbucks, resume in hand and I asked for a full-time job. The manager scheduled a more formal interview with a fellow manager for the following week. Days before attending the interview, I reached out to my grandmother.
As my go-to spiritual guide, I felt the need to run such a major life decision by my grandmother. During our conversation, I emphasized my need to start a fresh, new chapter even if it meant taking a leap of faith. My grandmother provided support and listened to every word about my new-found transformation.
Why “Katydid?”
On the morning of my interview, I dropped the kids off at school. I came back home for a spare fifteen minutes. And there it was. A vibrant, green leaf bug sat on the door amongst many other doors, of my third-story apartment. Not knowing what it was, I investigated only to find out it was the source of a long-lost sound from the summers of my childhood: a katydid. I had never seen one in person and had not even thought of one in at least twenty years. Surely, this had to mean something.
Naturally, I found myself ready to dive head-first into a sea of information. Then I clicked on one article and listed under the symbolism of a katydid were the very words I had spoken to my grandmother, verbatim: transformation, growth/prosperity, career change, LEAP. OF. FAITH. From that moment, my path was clear and unyielding. There was a sense of strength that came from the joy I embraced on that journey that lay ahead.
Honoring Memory, Finding Purpose
As the pandemic progressed, life presented another challenge — the loss of my mother. In October of 2020, doctors discovered a brain tumor and she passed away 37 days later. While quarantines and occasional solitude allowed me space to grieve, I found solace in continuing to live out my purpose. Despite the loss, I went to work and I kept smiling, then I came home and hugged my children. Helping others recover their joy allowed me to recover mine.
(Now, it is our turn to honor her spirit and contribute to a cause that can change lives.
Cancer League of Colorado has been at the forefront of pioneering research, patient support, and community outreach in the fight against cancer. By donating to this remarkable organization, you can play a vital role in ensuring that families like Debbie's receive the care and support they need during their most challenging times.
Your generous contribution will help fund innovative research initiatives, providing hope for future breakthroughs and improved treatments. It will also enable Cancer League of Colorado to continue offering vital resources to those affected by this devastating disease, from financial assistance to emotional support.)
Anyways…finally, in June of 2022, I decided to take the next leap. It was time to move forward with my dreams and to create a space that allowed my children to live those dreams with me. So we bought a vintage camper, designed a coffee shop with space for the boys, and had it renovated.
Cup Half Full – Of Purpose and Meaning
So far this journey has taught me that we have the power to design our lives to be whatever works best for us – no matter how unconventional. It has also taught me how to adapt, grow and transform – much like our dear friend, the katydid.
I hope that my story will inspire others to not only be true to themselves but to have the courage to grow into the next best version of themselves. Don’t underestimate the transformative power of compassion. I witnessed astonishing changes that occurred when someone felt seen and cared for, even by a stranger. It is in the moments of adversity that we find opportunities to transform, uncover the depth of the true human spirit, and make a positive impact on the world.