Orignal Post: 7/19/2017
One day I was down in the dumps but I pushed myself into an adventure that brought me face to face will a Billion Dollar Smile!
I was having a rough day – feeling a little stuck in my personal progression in life trying to be 100 percent in one hundred different ways. A few tears of frustration fell down my face but I pulled it together. I decided to check out a new coffee shop nearby. Deflect these emotions, shall we?
I pulled up to the most unique building. Awkwardly narrow yet intriguing. Espresso 101. “People fit in here?” was my initial reaction but when I walked inside all I could do was smile. It was vibrant and lively. Extremely cozy yet you felt like you had room to dance. A whimsical staircase led upstairs. Bright paintings in every corner and a counter overflowing with pastries, muffins and such. It was the epitome of a happy place.
A woman comes in a welcomes me with a bright smile that felt like a hug. I told her I was stopping by for the infamous Banana Pudding I saw on Instagram the night before. She went to retrieve the southern comfort dessert to come back empty-handed. She was so empathetic that the pudding was gone – whisked away to another retail location. But wait…she had Million Dollar pie. I politely declined because I don’t know what that is.
She sliced a piece and said “Let’s share! I can’t sell it if I don’t know what it tastes like!” Well, folks, it was a light fluffy ray of sunshine. It was whipped cream piled high with surprises of pecan slivers, pineapples, and coconut. Sharing really meant that she took a spoonful and let me have the rest. Haha. I ordered an Americano to go.
While I danced with my pie and she produced my Americano – she told me her story. Kim told me that about 8 years ago she was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. Painting became her therapy. She sold her paintings with every house her realtor brother, Patrick, sold. Patrick originally bought this unique building for his Reedy Real Estate Company. Being a former coffee shop, people always stopped in to find the former coffee house. To not disappoint the people – Patrick started serving coffee and chatting real estate to anyone who stopped in. Customers loved the Keruig coffee which soon became an espresso machine that pushed forth the creation of Espresso 101, serving up Greek espresso while also serving the community. Kim expressed her passion with an emphasis on giving back. She has community paint nights planned where supplies are provided and all donations go straight to Melanoma.
Here I was in this happy place hearing the testimony of one of the friendliest people I have ever encountered. I could talk to Kim all day. It really made me self reflect. I couldn’t even remember what had me so flustered just a mere half hour ago. Kim, the Million Dollar Pie, Espresso 101 – the whole experience impacted me way more than expected. It told me “Slow down Babygirl” Everyone has different laces traveling on different journeys. The struggles should never taint us – the achievements should never make us. I hope one day to impact people on sight as Kim impacted me.
Espresso 101
101 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville SC 29615
