Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Wilson.
Hi Haley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was 19, one of my closest friends, Melanie, asked if I wanted to work at the coffee shop where she was a barista in Boring, Oregon. I thought, “Sure, why not!”now, Next thing I knew I was a barista in Boring, OR.
About a year later, Melanie purchased the shop, and in such a short time, she grew Country Coffee beyond belief. I’ll never forget looking out the shop windows like and seeing the cars pile up!
Over the years, I explored other career paths, but my love for coffee, especially Country Coffee, never went away. As Mel began franchising, we would always daydream about the possibility of me owning a Country Coffee of my own someday.
In 2022, that dream became a reality when I purchased my first shop in Troutdale, Oregon. Unfortunately, Melanie tragically passed away before I opened my doors. Since then, her family and friends have continued working hard to grow Country Coffee and carry on the legacy she left behind.
In 2023, longtime family friends, the Roakes, suggested bringing Country Coffee to their famous Roake’s restaurant on Columbia Boulevard. I was beyond excited about the opportunity and decided to take another leap of faith. That’s how Country Coffee Columbia Blvd came to life!
Melanie was so much more than the person who introduced me to coffee. She created opportunities for young entrepreneurs like myself to chase their dreams, take chances, and build businesses of their own.
What started as a simple “sure, why not” at 19 years old has turned into something I never could have imagined. I’m forever grateful for Melanie, the opportunities she created, and the community that continues to support Country Coffee.
Her legacy lives on in every shop, every cup, and every person who gets to be part of what she started. 🤎
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have had my ups and my downs just like any small business owner. But a strong will and a love for what I do always takes over the hard days.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We take pride in our handcrafted drinks, but what makes Country Coffee truly special is the relationships we build with our customers. We love getting to know our regulars, watching families grow, and being a small part of someone’s everyday routine.
Our slogan, “Coffee made with heart, served with a smile,” is so much more than just words to us. It’s what we strive for every single day.
Because at Country Coffee, it’s never been just about making a great cup of coffee. It’s about the people, the connections, and the community that makes it all possible. 🤎 … it’s like the “Cheers” of coffee where everybody knows your name!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice would be to just take that leap of faith! You’re never going to feel 100% ready, and you’re going to learn a whole lot along the way. Owning a business isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There are long days, hard decisions, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way.
I wish I would’ve known that you can’t do it all, Rely on the help that surrounds you. It truly takes a village.
Most importantly, stay true to yourself, work hard, and love what you do. The little things matter, and so does the community that supports you. 🤎
Contact Info:
- Website: https://countrycoffeecompany.com
- Instagram: countrycoffeecolumbiablvd
