I have always adored the way that people come together around coffee. At times, this feeling of connection to individuals and our community overwhelms me with joy and awe. Being able to extend hospitality totally deepens and enriches our experience and provides us with the incredible opportunity to forge meaningful connections and interactions with individuals of all ages, from all walks of life. We wanted to create a space where people can truly unwind, shake off the tensions of the world, and rejuvenate in the company of others. To me it feels like an opportunity to take care of those around me; to anticipate their needs, and help support them through the good and the bad times they experience.
The past few months of transition from operating the truck to getting the coffee lounge up and running, has definitely been a whirlwind, but as the dust begins to settle, what really comes into focus is our enhanced ability to interact more directly with the community we are a part of. Even though over the course of the two seasons operating the coffee truck we had so many great opportunities to work with other local businesses and non-profit organizations who are doing really great things in the community, we still felt like we were not completely rooted. Now that we have moved inside of the State Street Marketplace, we feel at home and can direct our focus, be more fully present, and begin to let our roots fully settle in.
We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who has supported us on our journey and helped to fuel our mission to share space and revel in good drink and pay respect to the farmers, artisans and workers who make it all possible. In the months ahead, we will again begin to yearn for the coming of spring and summer on the horizon, but for now it feels rewarding to revel in the reflective nature of the winter season, and to focus on being present in the days ahead as they gain slowly, but steadily in light each day.
Emily Wilensky is a co-owner of Planetary Coffee with her partner, Eric Harms. Find more information at www.planetarycoffee.com. Contact her at [email protected]