Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Adams.
Hi Kayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Laura and I met working in the coffee shop industry and we quickly bonded over our shared ideals and passion for the work. While there were many things that we admired about every place that we worked at, it always felt like we were searching for this perfect coffee shop to exist that we could be a part of. By the time we met each other, we each had a long check list of things our ideal coffee shop would have and be. It felt almost serendipitous that we would share so many values and ideas, while also having different, complimentary areas of expertise. After I graduated at St. Cloud State University, we decided to move up to Duluth to begin building our life there with the hopes of one day in the distant future maybe having a coffee shop of our own. Needless to say, that didn’t happen (at least not there). We felt lonely and disillusioned by life and while at the time, it felt like we had hit rock bottom, in reality, that disillusionment was what we needed to finally decide that it was time to take our shot. If we didn’t try, we would always wonder what could have been. So, in December of 2019, we decided to move back home to Saint Cloud and the community we knew and loved. There were innumerable setbacks along the way. Innumerable. I could go into detail about all of them, but the main takeaway is that with each hurdle that presented itself, we could have quit, but we didn’t. We had yearned to realize this dream and if we didn’t give it everything we had, we would always look back with regret and wonder “what if?”. A lot of the challenges that presented themselves were challenges because we didn’t have any money or any “connections” to help us along. We had to be scrappy and put in a lot of elbow grease and research. What we did have was a lot of experience, vision, and passion. It was the passion piece that kept us getting up and trying again every time it felt like we had finally hit the end of the road. We still face countless challenges all the time, three and a half years in–but whereas before it was the vision of what it could be that kept us going, now it’s also the reality of what it is and has become that keeps us going when times get tough. Korppi has become its own thing beyond just what our original dream was. Us, our team, and our entire community has helped to create and shape what Korppi is today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s difficult to do what we do in the world that we live in. We try to pay competitive, liveable wages in an industry that has historically, underpaid its workers. Americans spend a very low percentage of their income on food, indicating a prioritization of fast, cheap food. Meanwhile, at Korppi, we are paying a premium for high quality, local, organic, whole food ingredients. Both of these factors play do contribute heavily to our bottom line, and yet we are also still trying to keep our prices reasonable for our customers. We’re also a business that values slowing down and being intentional in a society that values fast-paced convenience. Not to mention being a business owned by two queer women in central Minnesota. For the most part, our customers and community have been very supportive and understanding and have been happy to support a place that values these things and is transparent about where their money is going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s not so much “what” Korppi does that sets it apart from others, though I would say that we are pretty good at doing the “what”. It’s the “why” where Korppi truly shines. Our three core values at Korppi are: kindness, integrity, and intentionality, and they are guide everything that we do. Why we do what we do?
1. To nourish our bodies as well as our environment. Healthy food comes from healthy land so when we’re looking for producers to source ingredients from, we’re looking for folks who are prioritizing land and animal welfare. Using whole food ingredients creates a product that tastes and feels better in your body. We prioritize transparency of ingredients so that if a customer has a sensitivity or allergy, we can offer an option, if at all possible.
2. To share our passion and encourage others to do the same. When people are passionate about what they are doing, magic happens. We want to support other local artists, makers, bakers, producers, farmers, workers, and individuals to keep the magic of our community alive.
3. To strive for excellence. We are constantly trying to improve ourselves and what we do. There is joy and liberation in believing in one’s ability to improve and overcome. And there are always ways in which we can be doing better.
4. To create a work environment that feels truly fulfilling. This one is so difficult but so important in order for anything else that we do to mean anything. This means everyone on the team showing up, caring, recognizing the nuance of being a flawed human, but always trying your best. It also means having difficult conversations and prioritizing repair after conflict. It takes a lot of communication and being very deliberate about our team culture to create this environment.
5. To encourage people to slow down and savor the moment. We find that joy and happiness is always present if you slow down and look for it.
6. To bring people together. In this digital age, it is so important to interact with people in person. Community holds us accountable and being face-to-face reminds us of the rawness and nuance of being human. Our space has become known as a warm, inviting, safe space for all, and we are so proud of the community that has sprouted up around Korppi.
7. To create something meaningful. It seems like too many people are coming to the conclusion that caring less is the answer. We believe the opposite to be true. What if we care more?
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Never underestimate the challenges, but also never underestimate the rewards.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.korppicoffee.com
- Instagram: @korppicoffee
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/korppicoffee
