Seven years ago, I walked into Anthem Coffee and Tea for the first time as an employee — and my life hasn’t been the same since. The aroma of freshly ground beans, the steady hum of espresso machines, the electric buzz of a room full of regulars and newcomers alike: it became my world. In some ways those seven years feel like a blink, but when I look back, I see a journey absolutely packed with growth, connection, and a whole lot of heart.

It all started as a Barback — a role that dropped me straight into the heart of the customer experience from day one. And honestly? It was an absolute blast. Getting to meet so many friendly faces every shift, keeping the tables clean and inviting, washing dishes, tackling the bathrooms — every task, no matter how small, contributed to the lively, welcoming atmosphere that makes Anthem Coffee and Tea what it is. Those early days gave me a deep appreciation for how much invisible, behind-the-scenes work goes into creating a space where people genuinely want to linger. I made some great memories, and I built a foundation I still stand on today.

From there, I transitioned into my current roles in IT and maintenance repair — a fascinating blend of troubleshooting software glitches, keeping commercial espresso machines running smoothly, and making sure everything stays operational behind the scenes. It is a completely different world from clearing tables, but the core mission is exactly the same: make sure things just work so that every barista, manager, and guest can do what they came to do without a hitch. I am genuinely proud of the technical skills I have built in both areas, and the hands-on experience has proven invaluable in ways I never anticipated when I first started.

Here is something I want anyone reading this to understand: Anthem Coffee and Tea is not just a job — it is a family. The atmosphere here is unlike anything I have experienced in any other workplace: spirited, loud, vibrant, and genuinely supportive all at once. We celebrate wins big and small, we show up for each other when things get hard, and we give each other the freedom to be completely, unapologetically ourselves. You can crack a joke mid-rush and know without a single doubt that you are part of something truly special. That culture does not happen by accident; it is built every single day by the people who choose to show up with that kind of energy.

I have always placed a high value on continuous learning and personal growth, and Anthem has given me far more opportunities to do both than I ever could have anticipated. On a personal note, I am currently focused on paying down debt — a goal I am steadily working through — and once that milestone is behind me, I am looking forward to returning to school and finally finishing that English class I have had on my to-do list for a while now. Every goal feels more achievable when you are surrounded by people who genuinely root for you.

But if I am being completely honest, what I am most proud of after seven years are the relationships. The camaraderie, the shared experiences, the laughter, the late shifts, the genuine care we have for one another — that is the real reward. That is what transforms a workplace into a family. I am deeply grateful for every single year, every lesson, and every person who has been part of this chapter. And I am genuinely excited for whatever comes next. If you have never experienced the warmth and energy of Anthem Coffee and Tea for yourself, come on in — I promise you will not be disappointed.