Combining Small-Business with Work Balance: Cafe Edition ☕🍵


A day at the coffee shop. From open to close there is a lovely menu to explore, so come with me as we journey through work and life in this cozy cafe: The founders foam. 


Each section is inspired by a different drink and tackles a theme of productivity and what it means to be a small business owner or someone who feels like the work pile up is never ending. While it's a fun and imaginative way to talk about these topics, it's also an encouragement to sometimes let that creative side of yourself flourish. Reading imaginative pieces is a great way t0 provide yourself with a brain break and try to stoke that flame of inspiration!


The work-life diaries for me have been a new way to express myself and explore different themes while hopefully giving a perspective on the side of business owning often not spoken out loud. I hope you all enjoy <3

First Drink- Conversation Cappuccino

Barista: I haven't seen you in a while!

You: I thought maybe I should try getting some work done somewhere else. I feel like the tasks are just piling up on me and my brain is buffering. 

Barista: I can definitely see how that may be… you’ve certainly got that ‘trying my best’ face on today. 

You: I suppose you’ve seen it nearly a million times. 

Barista: You’d be surprised. What’s the strain today? 

You: It feels like everything. Deadlines, decisions, clients pulling me in every direction… It feels like every step forward I take I’m also falling two steps behind. 

Barista: I hear ya… you know, people think balance is somehow about both doing more and less. That’s the issue, how do you know which one you need? I think it’s about finding the right pace. 

You: I feel like my pace is hard to find though… if I was a cup of coffee, I could be cold brewed one day–getting everything done in sight– and decaf the next. 

Barista: A decaf day is still a day. Maybe you’re too afraid to listen to what you need and take that decaf day. 

You: You know, that's true.

Barista: Take your time some days. Not to say don’t try to get any work done, but don’t be so hard on yourself. Sometimes when things aren’t happening, forcing them won’t make them happen either. 

You: I think I need to come in more often. 

Barista: That’s what everyone says. Now go before your coffee gets cold. 


**While this section was told as a conversation, I encourage everyone to take the time to get out once and a while to get work done! Being in public is a great change of scenery and can cause a huge boost in productiveness. As mentioned, if you're in need of a slow 'decaf day' don't deny yourself that. Be courteous with your mental and physical needs and you may see some amazing changes in work quality


Second drink- Mindful Matcha

You start off in the calmest corner of the cafe, with your vibrant green drink. Here you can walk with the quiet side where life softens, noises fade, and you can hear the sound of your slow breathing. Matcha has grown in its popularity for many reasons. The part of the green tea plant (yes it’s just another part of that same plant) used to make matcha powder is known for anti inflammation, boosting metabolism, and enhancing focus and calm. It is the perfect drink to begin practicing mindfulness.


After taking that first sip you find yourself… 

  • Checking in with yourself
  • Centering in the chaos
  • Reflecting
  • Slowing down without losing momentum
  • Steadying your mind 


This reflection allows you to refill your own cup. Not empty it.

Soon you find your drink is gone. You ache for a little bit more energy to surround you after relishing in the complete calm. You stand up, find a new place, and order one more drink. 


Third drink: Balance boba

What’s in your cup? 

Tapioca: Bringing you truth and honesty about juggling the fine line between business and life

Milk tea: Letting you find the moments of life that help guide you forward

Ice: Insights about what you need to do to achieve all you desire while taking the time to recalibrate

Sweetness level: This is adjustable, meaning you can choose what matters today and not everything all at once. 

~~~


That's all for this weeks installment, part two will come in the next work life diaries! I hope you're able to get a few of those to-do list items done after thinking back on what this blog was discussing regarding self reflection, meeting yourself where you are, or maybe after being inspired to head to your local cafe :) See you all next time!


Next post, before the next work life diaries, we'll be going through summer scheduling and other need to knows about the summer photography season as it's already time to start preparing!