Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Bjork.
Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was introduced to coffee as a child by my grandmother. I was about 7 years old and it was definitely more cream than coffee but I absolutely loved the moment. As I got older, I really developed a love for the flavor of coffee and I actually started drinking it black. I made it a habit to frequent local coffee hops, in 2015 I was homeschooling my four children, and we would often frequent coffee shops for a change of scenery. It was my children that suggested that we open a coffee shop. The thought was so simple coming from them; however, I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.
Needless to say, I began to write out the plan. I knew there was no way that I could open a shop and it not include my family. So, you will notice at our shop that everything is centered around family. Our dessert menu is all family recipes that we’ve enjoyed over the years with coffee.
This is truly a dream come true! Our goal is to have four locations, leaving one to each of our children. We are so excited that we are able to reach our community and share a little be of our family with them. Apopka has been phenomenal to us; the support is unmatched.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth-ish! We often say it was the best time, despite not being the best time. We were able to get into a great location because of the effects of the Pandemic. However, building a business in a pandemic has been as difficult as you can imagine. We’ve had to deal with extremely slow times, which are to be expected as people began to warm up to the idea of being out in public again and feeling safe to do so.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t have any previous experience in coffee other than a frequent consumer lol I’ve had amazing help and mentorship along the way. I want every person that walks through our door to feel warm and welcomed. I’m a very social, outgoing person so I want my shop to reflect how I wanted to be treated. Definitely the feel of southern hospitality from the moment you walk in the door
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Rich Dad, Poor dad, Boss Up, 7 habits of highly effective people, Bean Brain, The coffee dictionary
Contact Info:
- Website: www.birchwoodcoffeeco.com
- Instagram: birchwoodcoffeeco
- Facebook: birchwoodcoffeeco
Image Credits
Kayla Smith
Ashley Maiso
