The Future of This Blog

Along with celebrating 2 years since our doors opened, we're taking this anniversary as an opportunity to evaluate what we're doing and how we can do it better.  This blog is 1 of the things on our evaluation list.  

We started this blog to record our entrepreneurial journey as we create Overflow Coffee Bar.  In January 2010, I wrote that I want this blog to be "much more personal." I said I wanted to "share more deeply about the things I'm learning, struggling with and dreaming about as we continue on this journey of taking our passions (coffee, justice, social change, Jesus) and making something (Overflow Coffee Bar) that changes the world." 

Since then, Overflow has opened it's doors and this blog has become much more about promoting our activities.  I never intended for this change to happen.  As we were overwhelmed with running the day-to-day operations, lots of things fell through the cracks and got changed from our intentions.  

While I still want to use this blog to keep others informed of what's happening at 1550 S. State Street, I also want to get back to recording our journey and sharing more deeply.  Along those lines, check back Monday for a new series of blog posts highlighting our value of Purposeful Living.

The Story Behind the 1st Annual South Loop Women's Tea

If you haven't heard about the tea, the information is here: http://southloopwomenstea.eventbrite.com.

The month of March is Women's History Month.  In communities around the United States, National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to share the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society, and to recognize women who have been instrumental in their local communities. 

Plus, March 8th is International Women's Day.  International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present, and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

Amanda's Mom!

Over 10 years ago, my mom (Mary) started an annual Women's Tea in her rural area in Ohio.  She did this to celebrate women and their contributions to her area.  My mom spent over 30 years of her life as a librarian at a local community college.  During that time she helped many woman stick with their education, especially non-traditional students like moms returning to school after a long break.  My mom retired but the Women's Teas have continued.

Last year, my mom was selected to be honored as Woman of the Year at the Women's Tea in March.  In February, however, my mom suffered a severe stroke.  She was still in the hospital during the Tea honoring her so I went in her place to accept her award.  While at the Tea, I heard many women speak about my mom's contributions to their lives.  They also talked about how much they looked forward to coming to the Tea each year.

Then and there, I decided to continue and expand my mom's legacy by starting an annual Women's Tea here in Chicago.  I want to achieve three things with these teas:

1. To celebrate women, especially those who are making contributions to our city.
2. To encourage women, especially those who doubt their achievements.
3. To inspire girls to dream big dreams and continue the advancement of women around the world.

As women, we've come so far.  We still have more to do.  

Film Screenings!

Last night we hosted a screening of Give A Damn?.  Over 50 people came for the film.  We had a bunch more say they were coming up but think the weather kept them away.  The film was followed by a great Q&A time with the filmmakers.  The audience asked some pretty deep, thoughtful questions and the filmmakers responded with deep, thoughtful answers. 

Dan, one of the filmmakers, encouraged everyone to (a) find what makes them angry/sad (like poverty, violence, human trafficking, etc.), (b) find what gives them lots of joy (like film, coffee, writing, building relationships, etc.) and then (c) see how to two things could connect.  This was his suggestion for a sustainable way to make a long-term impact.  Sounds similar to what happens at Overflow.  :)

The next film is coming up on March 22.  This time we're screening Good Fortune. You can watch the trailer here.  Tickets are available here: http://overflowgoodfortune.eventbrite.com/.

Extreme Poverty and Coffee

Extreme Poverty has a definition: living on less than 1.25 dollars US a day.

In 2000, 189 world leaders at the United Nations Millennium Summit made a promise and some goals. 

Goal #1 is to END HUNGER & EXTREME POVERTY through these objectives:

1. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than one dollar a day.
2. Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and young people.
3. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

How does this connect with the coffee industry?

The 25 million small coffee farmers world-wide often live in poverty or extreme poverty.  Many of their neighbors do too. Coffee accounts for billions of dollars of export income for some of the world's poorest countries.


Paying coffee farmers a more than fair wage for their coffee is a step toward ending poverty for them.  Plus, they buy from their neighbors' business or farm and thereby help end poverty for the entire community.

Here's an example for you.  The Guatemalan coffee we use puts at least* $1.72 per pound of green coffee in the farmers' hands (his name is Edwin if you're wondering).  Our roaster buys 10,000 lbs of coffee from Edwin.  So, the farmer gets at least* $17,200 from the sale of his coffee.  Which gives him and his family over $47 per day to live on.

Compare that with many farmers who end up selling their coffee to "coyotes" who pay them way less than the C market rate (this rate fluctuates daily and widely over time).  Farmers who sell to "coyotes" can get as little as 50 cents per pound.  50 cents per pound for a 3000-pound crop would mean a family lives on $4.11 per day.  For a family of four that's way less than the $1.25 extreme poverty definition.

Do you Give a Damn?  Want to talk to some filmmakers who Give a Damn?  Check out overflowfilm.eventbrite.com for more information about an upcoming documentary film screening.

*It's a little more complicated because Edwin gets $4 per pound since he secured the coffee from farm to "free for export" (FOB).  After covering the costs of transportation and exportation fees, he gets at least $1.72.

What You Missed at Open Mic

This past Saturday we had our first Open Mic and More! of 2012.  There were about 15 people who attended.  But it wasn't the quantity of people that made the night special, it was the diversity. 

People were gathered together to appreciate and showcase the Arts from many different backgrounds, cultures and skin colors.  The mic was shared by African Americans, Asian Americans, and Caucasian Americans alike.  Feedback was given to those who shared from various perspectives.  It was awesome to see people who might never interact otherwise having dialogue around the Arts.

This Open Mic and More! featured poetry, spoken word, comedy and novel-excerpt reading.  We're hoping to add some more different types of art for the next Open Mic.  Already a couple people are working on some music to share. 

Speaking of the next Open Mic and More!, it'll be on March 3, 2012.  It's going to be even more special this next time.  The Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference will be in town and a few from the group are joining with us.  Here are the details:

Brain Trust: A Reading of New Work on Dementia and other brain-straining subjects 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

4-5pm gather and network

5-6pm Reading

6pm on: Overflow Coffee Bar’s Monthly Open Mic Night

Poets and prose writers in all genres are invited to read at this gathering of writers who are addressing Alzheimer’s disease and other assaults on the brain.  Maximum length: five minutes. To sign up, contact Ann Hedreen at ann[at]whitenoiseproductions.com.  Please include: title of your poem or prose piece, genre, and a few lines of introductory copy about you and your work. 

For those of you planning on attending from the South Loop, come at 5 to hear the Brain Trust readings and to sign up for sharing your art.  Be sure to keep tabs (pun intented) on the event tab at  facebook.com/overflowcoffeebar  for more information and to invite others to attend.

World AIDS day

December 1 is World AIDS Day.  Here at Overflow, we are concerned about HIV/AIDS and use this day to show our support for those working in AIDS prevention and care.  AIDS is much more than a health crisis—it impacts nearly every dimension of social and economic life, robbing children of their parents, devastating workforces, and undermining economies. Today, 33.4 million people are living with HIV and AIDS, of which 2.1 million are children under age 15.

For us this isn't just a one day thing. We are proud to serve baked goods from Sweet Miss Givings, a social enterprise bakery and jobs program. 100% of SMG's profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women, and children of Chicago House.  As the first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House serves those who are living with HIV and AIDS. Through Chicago House, more than 1,300 people are guided to wholeness and self-sufficiency each year. 

What you can do:

• Purchase Sweet Miss Givings baked goods.  Every day, we offer fresh muffins, scones, cookies and brownies.  For larger events we also do catering orders with SMG's baked goods.
• Get educated.  We recommend starting here.
• Spread the word.  Share what you learn and your concern with others.  Wear a red ribbon on Dec 1st to help start the conversation.
• To help with prevention or care in Chicago, Chicago House is looking for volunteers.
• To help with prevention or care around the world, help mothers get HIV treatment. Without treatment, HIV-positive moms have a 1 in 3 chance of infecting their children. Yet a few simple measures dramatically reduce these odds.  Find out more here.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year... to Make a Difference

As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"  We wish you a great holiday season.

It just so happens this is one of the best times of the year to make a significant impact with how you choose to spend your money.

We're participating in Unwrap Chicago - a campaign to increase holiday spending at local businesses. Learn more and take the pledge to shift your spending to local businesses at www.unwrapchicago.org. Be sure to check out their Top 10 Reasons to Buy Local.  Instead of ordering your gifts online this year, why not take a walk around the South Loop!

As always your purchase at Overflow also makes a positive difference in the lives of farmers and for the environment.

Be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Ideas. Our NEW 2012 Membership Card keeps the giving going all year long.  It makes a great gift for yourself or for someone else. 

Twitterview Transcript from Wednesday, July 27

	@overflowcoffee Thank you for agreeing to this twitterview today! What stirred your interest in participating? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman I <3 the #SouthLoop and @mollyheyen convinced me this was a great way to show my <3.
	@overflowcoffee Are you originally from Chicago? What brought you to the South Loop? #twitterview #1550SState #SouthLoop
	@terribuseman I’m from a town in OH, moved to Chicago 4 college. to #SouthLoop b/c I wanted 2 start a #3rdplace in place w/ lack of them.
	@overflowcoffee Can you define the term #3rdplace? #SouthLoop #3rdplace
	@terribuseman #3rdplace is the place u go 2 when not at home or work – a place 4 the community to meet. a sociology term from 19th century
	@overflowcoffee Explains your motivation. How did you get involved in @DaystarCenter and open Overflow Coffee? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman Overflow came about from my hubby & my looking for our destiny. There’s a really long story about how we met @DaystarCenter.
	@overflowcoffee I guess if it’s a long story it won’t fit in 140 char. Maybe you can tell us later! @overflowcoffee What other organizations operate out of #1550SState? #twitterview
	@terribuseman I should do a blog post about it. It’s a fun story of coincidences and funny timing. I’ll share when I write it up.
	@overflowcoffee I can’t wait to read it! I’ll have to share mine with you too.
	@terribuseman also at #1550SState is @DaystarChicago @brightfund @EntrenuityUSA @TrinityTroll and few other nonprofits
	@overflowcoffee The tagline for Overflow #Coffee is Changing the world one cup at a time. #twitterview #1550SState @overflowcoffee Can you describe how each cup of #coffee changes the world? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman Our coffee from @CA_coffeemakes a real difference in the farmers’ lives, their communities and for then environment.@terribuseman Plus, we are an #L3C, #socent and use the profits we make to do and support nonprofit work.
	@overflowcoffee Changing the world by giving back to the community locally and globally! #L3C #socent @overflowcoffee You work for both Overflow Coffee and @DaystarCenter. How are the two related? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribusemanyup. “buy local, think global” we have been inspired a lot by MLK, Jr. “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”@terribuseman Overflow & @DaystarCenter are space sharers at #1550SState but we also partner 2 change the world & 2 serve the #SouthLoop.
	@overflowcoffee How can one get involved with @DaystarCenter and help it grow in the community? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman glad u asked. One way is through joining the @DaystarCenter 2011/12 school year task force: ow.ly/5NOU5. @terribuseman Another is the upcoming @DaystarCenter Open House on Aug 20: ow.ly/5IoLb
	@overflowcoffee We’ll have to mark our calendars for that! #OpenHouse @DaystarCenter @overflowcoffee Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman Launching Sept: “Daystar After Dark” – series of concerts, open mics, films & social events. Should announce details soon.
	@overflowcoffee That sounds great! #ShowAndTell was a lot of fun. Will there be programs like that?
	@terribuseman absolutely. we hope 2 do 3 #ShowAndTell in Sept-Dec. We <3 to support local artists. @mathien might play a show here too
	@overflowcoffee How exciting! #Mathien #ShowAndTell
	@overflowcoffee What do you do for fun/relaxation? #twitterview #1550SState #ShowAndTell
	@terribuseman Who has time for fun/relaxation??? Seriously though, personally I love to read & play strategy board games meetup.com/chicagogames/
	@overflowcoffee What are some of your favorite #strategygames ?
	@terribuseman I <3 #SettlersofCatan and #Carcassonne. Yours?
	@overflowcoffee I don’t know those How about some of your favorite South Loop spots? #twitterview #1550SState #SettlersofCatan #Carcassonne
	@terribuseman So many favorites in the South Loop. Top Three @weathermarktav @codeofconduct @floandsantos.
	@overflowcoffee Is @codeofconduct more than just tattoos?
	@terribuseman @codeofconduct sells clothes + they r just a fun place to stop by & hang out for a while (some play video games)
	@overflowcoffee We’ll have to stop by sometime.
	@terribuseman Almost forgot – @codeofconduct has some pretty cool art on the walls too & they do some events.
	@overflowcoffee We should definitely check that out! @codeofconduct @overflowcoffee What, to you, is the most unexpected benefit of living in the South Loop? ? #twitterview #1550SState
	@terribuseman Honestly, the MOST unexpected benefit of the #SouthLoop for me was proximity to #Chinatown and #Pilsen. #culture
	@overflowcoffee We are out of time, but it was lovely #tweeting with you! I hope you enjoyed participating in this #twitterview.
	@terribuseman Thanks for inviting me. I enjoyed it very much. Say “hello” to @Mollyheyen for me. #twitterview
	@overflowcoffee I’m following along! Hello. Thanks for interviewing with us! #twitterview
	@overflowcoffee Will do! Thank you! #twitterview

Planning for the Fall

As much as we don't like to think about it, fall is just around the corner.  We're starting to gear up for a full line of events in partnership with the Daystar Center.  We'd like your input. 

Please take the poll to the right.  If you have additional ideas, please comments on this post. 

We want the events we do to be what the South Loop neighborhood wants so please, speak up. 

Coffee Book Recommendations

I was asked for my recommendation on books about coffee yesterday and today both.  So, I thought I'd write a short blog about 2 of my favorites.  Both of these are available at Harold Washington Library - that's how I read them.  Just fyi, I was not paid by the writers or publishers in any way to recommend them.  :)

Coffee: A Dark History by Antony Wild - Antony is a Frenchman so it's fun to read from his perspective.  There's a nice chapter about Napoleon and his love of coffee.  This book also gets into the myth and lore of coffee's history and takes old wives' tales seriously.  I love some of the theories he comes up with - especially those about the croissant and the Enlightenment.


God in a Cup: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Coffee by Michaele Weissman.  Michaele is an American journalist writing about trips to origin (a fancy way of saying "going to where coffee is grown") with some of third-wave coffee's biggest players.  This is a great book to learn about the coffee industry today.

If you have another that's your favorite, post a comment and share.  There are so many good books out there.

On Customer Service

At Overflow, we value quality customer service.  We want to exceed customer expectations - in atmosphere, taste, and service.  But customer service is a tricky subject.  I'm certain there are many books written on customer service and I do not pretend to be an expert but here on some of my latest musings.  I'd love to hear your ideas too.

Today, we got a bad review on a Chicago Journal piece.  Thankfully Brandon saw it quickly and I was able to respond soon after the review was posted.  This got me to thinking... I have no idea who Mark K is, when he came in, what kind of coffee or muffin he had, or if he will even see my comment to him.  Thus, there's not much I can do.  They say "the best defense is a good offense" so I just have to keep doing the best I can every day and not let people like Mark K get me discouraged. 

I do know that others will see his comment.  Even if just one other person sees the comment, this could make them not want to come or affect their experience if they do come to Overflow.  Therefore, when I responded the best I could on a blog post, I made sure I let people know that they should let us know anytime they get less than what they expect from us.  I also brought it back to the mission - to "make profits to use for nonprofit activities" (to change the world one cup at a time).  No coffee shop can satisfy everyone but every coffee shop has the opportunity to differentiate itself from every other coffee place.  Being different means that people will want to experience your place for themselves at least once and you have the opportunity to prove yourself to them yourself.  Hopefully, our customer service will do some of that but our mission definitely does!

So 2 lessons for today on customer service: (1) don't get discouraged but keep doing your best every day and (2) bring it back to the mission and differentiate yourself.  What lessons do you have for us?  Comment and share.

In 2011, Stage a BUYcott!

Looking for a positive change to make in 2011?

Make a positive difference in the world by starting to purchase direct trade coffee, like Overflow Coffee!

There are 25 million coffee farmers in the world, most of which still do not sell their coffee to equal their costs to grow it, let alone make a profit.  In the U.S.A. we have minimum wage requirements but in many coffee growing countries this is not the case.  By purchasing Overflow coffee, you not only make a difference in the lives of the farmers who grew your coffee.  You also send a message that coffee farmers should be paid fairly.

In 2011, stage a "BUYcott" and buy coffee that benefits farmers rather than takes advantage of them!

Plus...

Overflow has begun making purchases to set up our physical coffee shop.  Your purchase gives us actual cash to use in making our purchases.  The more cash we have the less loans we need to get and the lower we can keep our prices.  This is a win-win for everyone involved so consider switching your coffee purchasing to Overflow.

Check out the updates we made to our online store and consider making a purchase here.  

We have a special deal to buy 10 lbs of coffee in advance and get 2 lbs more FREE.  If you use 1 lb of coffee each month, you can take care of your entire year at one time and never have to worry about it again.  You'll get your 1 lb delivered on schedule each month. This offer is for a limited time only.  Take advantage of this offer before it expires!

If you aren't a regular coffee drinker, you can give a gift here.

Have you seen the "Overflow Hits the Streets" video??? 
Watch it here.

Thoughts of 2010 and for 2011

Reflecting on 2010, we're thankful the following events took place:

In January, we collaborated with Mission Year for the first Overflow event in partnership with a nonprofit organization.

 

In March, we had a “Going Green” event for Overflow.  It was partially to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, to fundraise, and to showcase Overflow’s mission.  It was a lot of fun, complete with live Irish music and a leprechaun.

In April, we purchased a portable espresso machine to use for catering and fundraising events.  We’ve used it at several events since and at parties in our home.  It has been a great help in practicing our latte art.

In June, 2 major events happened:

1.    We held our first event in the building where Overflow will be located.  We called the event Café Con Brio and had a great time with live performances from multiple artists and yummy food and espresso.  If this was any indication of future events, Overflow is going to really impact the arts.

2.    We moved from our 1-bedroom apartment to a 3-bedroom and acquired 2 roommates (and our cat got 2 new feline friends!).  We made this move to have a larger living room for having parties and to save money.  It’s been great living in community.

In July, we celebrated 4 years of marriage with a “staycation.”  We enjoyed the city and used the money we would’ve spent on travel/hotel taking advantage of July 4^th sales.

Toward the end of July, beginning of August, Amanda completed a coffee shop marathon at the Common Cup in Rogers Park while the owner was out of town.  Through the marathon, we raised over $10,000 for Overflow’s plumbing and electric costs and Brandon cut his shoulder-length hair as a result of raising so much.

In September, we had an Overflow booth at the Bash on Wabash, a South Loop street festival.  We got to meet hundreds of our neighbors in the South Loop and share with them about Overflow.  In return, they shared with us how much they desire an independent coffee shop in our neighborhood.

Currently, Overflow is moving forward.  We are currently negotiating a lease and will have it signed by December 31.

We are very hopeful for 2011 and the opening of the physical doors of Overflow Coffee Bar in March.   

If you'd like to be part of Overflow's beginning, please consider participating giving a financial gift or making a purchase on our website.  Any gift or purchase is appreciated and beneficial.  Your gift will be used to purchase equipment and furniture and help us get started sooner and with less debt.  To give, look on the right-hand side of this page and click "ChipIn!"  To purchase a product go to www.overflowcoffeebar.org/shop.html.

Update About Our Lease at 1550 S. State

Our lease is currently with our attorney.  She is preparing her thoughts.  On Monday, she and I will discuss her thoughts.  Then, we'll be back to negotiating but we expect there to not be any problems.  We have told the Lessor that we absolutely need to get the lease signed by the end of the year.

For some perspective if you've never dealt with commercial leases, the lease agreement is 25 pages long and very dense.  It'll be for a 3-year term.  Our lease is complicated by the fact that we're actually "space-sharing" with a collection of non-profits.  We have to determine details like splitting utilities and who's cleaning.  We have to work out the same things individuals do when having roommates.  But now things have been worked out and we're ready to move forward.

Keep posted to this blog, facebook.com/overflowcoffeebar and twitter.com/overflowcoffee for the announcement of our lease being signed!

As a teaser, here's a random photo of our cool black open ceiling that's already completed.  :)

What We're Thankful For

I'm listing them as I think of them (not in order of importance).

• Friends, Family and Roommates - YOU are a huge encouragement as we take risks.  I can't begin to express how much you mean to me.
• Our Customers and Donors - YOU are helping to make Overflow a reality.  Every little bit counts!
• The South Loop - for inspiring me each and every day to live life on purpose
• Coffee - I wouldn't be where I am without you.  :)

Comment and share things you're thankful for!  We'd love to hear.

Why a Coffee Bar?

After oil, coffee is the 2nd most widely traded product in the world. Its impact on human cultures and the natural environment extends literally around the world. Every cup of coffee we buy and drink connects us with a web a hidden stories.

It takes hundreds of people to get each bean from plant to cup. The leading producers of coffee are developing countries in Latin American, Africa and Asia. A major source of income, coffee is critical to their economies. Yet, less than 15% of the revenues end up in their hands. The United States consumes over 18 million 60 kg bags of coffee per year.  We have the potential to change the circumstances for developing counties – getting more revenue directly into the hands of the communities that grow and harvest the coffee beans. Our choices as consumers make a real difference in their lives.

Organic, shade-grown coffee is emphasized for its environmental benefits over sun-grown coffee that requires more chemical pesticides and clear-cutting of forests. Shade-grown coffee also helps to protect wildlife, like North American birds while wintering in South America, chimpanzees near the Gombe reserve and tigers in southern India.

Coffee bars serve as “third place” where people go to get away from home or work and feel comfortable and connected with their neighbors. Historically, coffeehouses have been known for their political conversations. In the 1700s, coffeehouses were linked to the Boston Tea Party and the French Revolution. In the mid-1900s, coffeehouses were venues for convention-challenging art. Today, a coffee bar helps to connect those who live in an individualistic society. Neighbors who would not meet otherwise can become friends over a freshly brewed cup.

When Overflow Coffee Bar opens, South Loopers can change the situation for coffee farmers around the world, save the environment, and become friends with other South Loopers.  At Overflow Coffee Bar we will change the world one cup at a time.