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“You grew up here and had a great childhood, and you want your daughter to have the experience of growing up in a small town. Give them a taste, but not anything too revealing. You don’t have to be completely transparent with your customers. You just have to give them something to grab on to. You can practice some of your answers, so you have a ready response.”
“That sounds doable,” I said as I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants. If I wanted to be successful, I’d need to step out of my comfort zone.
“I can help, too,” Christopher added.
“I think I have everything I need. I usually work with Sophie from Sophie’s Sweets for baked goods, Lily from Petals for a flower arrangement, and you can obviously provide the drinks. Abby will handle the photographs.”
“Do we need any decorations?” I’d dropped in during Harbor Garage’s grand opening, and they’d had balloons and ribbons.
“I don’t think we need it. Your decor is simple and classy.”
I’d kept the exposed brick walls and gone with dark wood for shelving and countertops. The framed photos were black and white.
“I love your brand. It’s hometown kid returns to his roots to open a business to raise the next generation.”
I hadn’t thought about it like that. That people would be pleased I’d returned home. That my story would draw in customers and keep them coming back.
Christopher crossed his arms over his chest. “Locals will want to support you.”
I tipped my head to the side. “I was in Philadelphia for years, and Java Coffee is local, too.”
Gia wandered around the room before stopping in front of the jars of beans. “Yeah, but you offer something extra. As soon as you open the door, you can smell the beans. It’s stronger. It has more of a presence. Then there are the photos of your grandfather with the antique grinder and pictures of beans. People will love it.”
The more she talked, the more convinced I was that I’d made the right decision to return home. Cammie could grow up in my town, near my parents, and I was opening a store that meant something to my family and me. I was continuing my grandfather’s legacy. If he were still alive, he’d be proud of me.
“I’ll be here on Friday after closing to set up,” Gia said.
While she packed up her things, I asked, “Is there a reason you call your business Happily Ever Afters when you handle other events?”
“We started with weddings and then realized that many different businesses needed our services. Weddings are our bread and butter, so it’s the best name for brides to find us. We do these other events on the side. If we get too big at some point, maybe we’ll separate the businesses.” Gia smiled, seemingly not offended by my question.
“That makes sense.”
“I never intended to do anything besides weddings, but businesses call us to handle other parties, and why not, you know? It’s another stream of income, especially when it’s not wedding season.”
“Is it ever not wedding season?” I asked, remembering seeing the wedding planners in the city.
“Winters are slower, although a fair number of brides want a holiday wedding: Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s.”
“Your work is never done.” I’d heard about her through word of mouth, so her business was growing, and she was willing to do whatever it took to be successful, even if it didn’t fit with her original business model.
Gia smiled. “I like it that way.”
She finished explaining everything and was quick to say she’d handle all the details, which I appreciated. “I’m happy to send people your way.”
I walked her to the front door. “You have any advice for me since you and your family own businesses?”
Gia thought for a moment before saying, “It’s a long game. You’re going to have setbacks and perceived failures, but you have to keep going. I’m sure you know the statistics.”
I nodded. “Most businesses fail in the first five years.”
“And I’m sure you’ve read all the business books, but it’s really about your mindset. Are you doing what you’re passionate about? And if so, there’s no room for failure.”
“I like that.” That was a motto I could get behind. An image of Brooke popped into my head, but I pushed it back.
“I’m not saying work yourself around the clock. Not that I take my own advice, but you have to find your balance. Whatever that is.”
“I’m passionate about good coffee, and I’m excited to be my own boss.”And have more time with Cammie.
