Moonflower Coffee Collective
I commenced the new year on a promising note, with progress unfolding steadily as I adeptly juggled multiple pursuits. However, unforeseen challenges emerged, diverting my trajectory. I encountered the misfortune of sustaining third-degree burns and subsequently contracting COVID during a medical consultation for my hand injury. This necessitated an adjustment to navigate my daily responsibilities with the use of only my left hand. Despite these obstacles, I persevered, albeit with a few setbacks along the journey.
However, as January drew to a close, a remarkable shift occurred. An inspired idea emerged, sparking a cascade of creativity from numerous individuals. As momentum built, additional contributors eagerly offered their time and diverse expertise. What had originally been a casual notion evolved into a focal point of discussion, drawing together a multitude of individuals. This idea, once merely a whimsical conversation between my mother and me during cherished moments at our beloved Clifton café, Sitwell's, now garnered enthusiastic brainstorming sessions and plans for a coffee shop akin to our cherished haunt.
"We could showcase your artwork, "Perhaps you could offer yoga classes," "Why not sell some of your plants too?" "And envision having your very own shop space!" "Later on, you could utilize it for workshops or personal practice," Amidst the brainstorming, there was even a lighthearted jest about Gilmore Girls and coffee cup tattoos.
Then, years later on the final day of January, coinciding with my mother's birthday, the idea transcended the realm of mere discussion and materialized into reality.
My mother and I have proudly launched Moonflower Coffee Collective here in Cincinnati, Ohio. As an aficionado of coffee and its intricate processes—from cultivation to flavor transformations—and an appreciator of the community it fosters, I wholeheartedly supported my mother's decision to embark on this venture. When she approached me with the idea of opening a shop encompassing both a café and a spacious kitchen area, I enthusiastically endorsed the concept. While she has previously operated successful establishments and thrived in market settings, unforeseen circumstances compelled her to step back. However, with Moonflower, everything fell into place serendipitously, aligning perfectly to make this endeavor a reality. Though challenges inevitably arose, they played a crucial role in shaping our journey, ultimately contributing to the establishment of this vibrant new community hub.
Coffee has served as a gateway to diverse experiences, opening doors to new paths, fresh perspectives, and countless beginnings. Whether gathering with family over morning post-holiday gatherings and chatter, sipping from a cup at cherished spots like Sitwell's Cafe or outside of Tiffany's downtown during birthday celebrations, or observing the playful banter of my grandparents debating the allure of an afternoon brew (inevitably succumbing), coffee has been a constant presence in my life. It has been a conduit for connecting with my community, whether lingering in a friend's café, absorbing life's wisdom from patrons, or immersing myself in various cultural approaches to brewing from locales like Australia and Spain. Each morning, as I set my intentions for the day, I find solace in the ritual of preparing a French press or a latte, seated at my kitchen table amidst the reassuring chaotic orderliness of my daily journal and planner.
Now, I have the joy of involving my friends and family in my passion. With a shop of my own, I no longer need to burden friends with my surplus propagated plants—I can share them with the community instead. It's a space where I can proudly display my artwork and host painting classes in the summertime. When the monotony of working from home weighs heavy, I find solace in knowing I have a comforting refuge, brimming with warmth, for my studies.
Our haven has already become a gathering place for friends, drawn by the promise of community and a steaming cup of coffee. Together, we form a team of resilient women, united in our vision of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Even the farm where our beans originate is led by a passionate woman eager to share her love for coffee. And my mother, mirroring the cozy ambiance of her grandmother's, Sophia's, home—a space where connections are forged and moments of solitude are savored with a good book.
While this journey wasn't part of my life plan, it was a dream I held close. Witnessing this dream materialize fills me with excitement for the vibrant community we're cultivating and the positive impact we can make. The outpouring of support, well-wishes, and endless praise has buoyed me through moments of anxiety, reaffirming that this endeavor is worth every effort.
As I look ahead, my commitment remains steadfast: to live a life infused with passion and empathy, and to ensure that our space and events embody these principles. If you find yourself in the city, come join us at Moonflower Coffee Collective, where you can share a cup with kindred spirits.
