Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Nunes.
Hi Haley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our friendship began in the most unexpected way. Haley bought a high chair from Jess on Facebook Marketplace, and what could have been a completely forgettable interaction turned into something neither of us saw coming. What followed was a friendship that felt like a gift. The kind where you can show up exactly as you are, feel completely known, and find yourself a little more whole because of it. There was a natural ease and trust between us, and over time, that friendship became a safe place to dream, to grow, and eventually to take a pretty big leap together.
Before long, Tuesdays at the local café became part of our weekly rhythm. Over cups of coffee, we discovered a shared love for bringing people together, thoughtful design, good food, and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and at home.
For years, we were in the thick of raising our babies together. Somewhere between motherhood, coffee dates, and conversations about life, we began dreaming about what might come next. We would talk about the things we loved, the things we wanted to create, and what life might look like once all our kids were in school.
We didn’t necessarily know what that next chapter would be, but when the opportunity came to take over the very café where so much of our friendship had grown, it felt like a bit of a no-brainer.
And that’s where Mike comes in.
Mike had been the lifeblood of the café for over a decade, pouring his heart into the craft of roasting coffee and creating exceptional drinks. It didn’t take long for us to realize just how special he was or how much of the café’s identity was tied to his skill, dedication, and knowledge. We knew from the beginning that we didn’t want to do this without him.
Together, we saw an opportunity to build on something that was already really good. We weren’t interested in changing the heart of the café or the craftsmanship behind the coffee. We wanted to honor what had been built while bringing fresh vision, thoughtful design, and a renewed sense of purpose to the space.
For us, Gather is about so much more than a good cup of coffee, although we care an awful lot about that, too.
We love the artistry behind coffee. From the roasting process to the final pour, there is so much creativity, skill, and intention that goes into making something truly exceptional. We want to honor that craft and serve coffee we’re genuinely proud of.
But we also believe that coffee has a beautiful way of bringing people together. It creates space for conversation, creativity, connection, and community. Some of life’s sweetest moments happen around a table, with a cup in hand.
And that’s really the heart behind Gather.
We want to create an experience that feels thoughtful from beginning to end. A beautifully designed space, exceptional coffee, and an atmosphere where people feel comfortable settling in and staying awhile. A place to catch up with an old friend, meet someone new, find a quiet moment, or simply feel like you belong.
At the end of the day, people matter most.
Our hope is pretty simple: serve exceptional coffee, help people feel seen and known, and create a place our community genuinely wants to gather.
And in a way, it’s all come full circle. What began as two friends meeting over coffee has become an opportunity to create that same space for others.
That’s the heart of Gather, and we hope you feel it every time you walk through our doors.
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?
Oh boy, it has absolutely not been a smooth road. It’s been a lot of learning and putting in lots of long hours. Lots of changes and sacrifices for our families BUT so rewarding to be in the cafe and to witness peoples interactions with each other and the space
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
If you would have asked us a couple months ago, we would have said we would be known as being really “cool” moms. But we have gathered and collected skills over the last decade-mostly from needing a creative outlet as we raised our families. These skills range from graphic design, floral arrangement, event planning, interior design, curating a menu, and all the logistics that go with it.
We are proud of the space we have created for our community. We have diversity in the faces we see each week and it’s really fun to be a part of their daily routine or part of the highlights of their week.
What sets us apart is that there is a genuine warmth from each of our team members when you walk in the door and they are just glad to meet you where you are at.
We have also brought the big city design feel with small town heart and that’s not common for southern Oregon.
What makes you happy?
Good food. Beautiful atmosphere and design. Solid books and a quiet place to read. The warmth of a good beverage. A well curated playlist. Laughter. Vacation with friends. A full cafe bustling with noise. The change of seasons- physically and metaphorically. A well planned event. Creative cocktails or menus.
It’s savoring all the good parts of being human.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @THEGATHERCAFEKF
- Facebook: @GATHERCAFEKF
- Other: Info@thegathercoffeeco.com
