Barista Magazine

AUG-SEP 2017

Serving People Serving Coffee Since 2005

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simple imperatives: Be kind and serve great coff ee. Everyone deserves kindness. We strive to be one of those places where kindness isn't just something you hope for, but a culture you can count on. In my perfect world, kindness is a given not only in our shops, but in our community and our city. I know it's a grand statement, but why not try to make as big and positive an impact as possible with your actions? I worry that our industry is in danger of becoming an echo chamber full of people who all think the same. People are being written off for not checking every single box that aligns with our own stances on a wide range of issues. We are not allowing space for diff ering views. Those with diff ering views are shouted down instead of being brought into a bigger conversa- tion. I'd argue that it is in these conversa- tions that change can happen. When you sit across from someone and look them in the eyes, the experience is charged with familiarity—this is a real person with real thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It's almost impossible to bring that kind of empathy to 140 characters on social media. I'll share my viewpoints all day long when I can engage with someone face to face. Further, I'm more than will- ing to have my own views challenged. As a small business owner, I believe that using our company as a bullhorn to broadcast my ideology does not aff ect real change. We cannot create a well-rounded com- munity where transformation is possible if a segment of our community isn't even comfortable joining the conversation. Yes, we need to challenge and be challenged, but we also need environments where everyone is welcome to engage in real discourse. We miss out on that opportu- nity by putting up a potential barrier that people must choose to go over before they come into our shop. I have myriad opinions, ideas, and beliefs. Believe it or not, I have voted for almost every political party at some point whether at a local, state, or national election. It makes sense then that people who've tried to quickly categorize me have been stumped. Friends and acquaintanc- es I have had for years remember me a certain way from my past. Those that I am just meeting today only know the version of me right now. I can't speak for the future, but if the trends hold true, there might be some ideology I hold now that will change and evolve as time goes by. The more conversations I have with people as I get older, the more I realize the importance of diff ering views and open-hearted discussions. I have had my views challenged, questioned, poked, prodded to the point that to I've reevaluated my original position. Hell, that's the whole point of "Split Shot." In order for us to create a place where everyone feels welcome, we can't hang a political fl ag or stance on our business, no matter our personal beliefs. The minute we do that, someone will be left feeling excluded, devalued, or singled out. Our philosophy is kind- ness, and that means welcoming even those with whom we disagree. 77 www.baristamagazine.com

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