I appreciate a great cup of coffee. So you can imagine my excitement when a new coffee shop opened in our community, literally two minutes from my house. I set up a coffee date at Second Street Coffeehouse with my friend Kathy, another coffee fanatic (perhaps you’ll remember her enthusiasm for coffee and horses from a past #RealLifeWonderWoman feature). As Kathy and I were sitting there sipping and chatting, we had the pleasure of meeting Meghan, the owner of the shop, as she passed by our table.
Meghan is clearly a people lover whose outgoing personality will serve her well in the coffee shop biz. As we chatted, we learned so much more about this single mom of three and what makes her tick, her passion for community, for kids, and for making the world a better place. It was so much fun getting to know her that I boldly asked if I could feature her in an upcoming #RealLifeWonderWoman post…and (lucky you!) she said YES!
It is my pleasure to introduce you to this week’s #RealLifeWonderWoman…Meghan Kelsey.
KR: Hi Meghan! Will you please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?
MK: I fill my cup by helping others. My joy and motivation comes from lifting people up, making others laugh, and bringing people together for the betterment of all. I believe each and every one of us can change the world in our own ways, not matter how big or small.
KR: I personally appreciate the pro-law enforcement, pro-military, pro-firefighter and medic vibe in your coffeeshop. What inspired you to incorporate that into your business?
MK: I love this question, and appreciate you asking it. I have had a few scary times in my life that unfortunately lead me to needing to call 911. None of these events come pre planned and the outcome was always unknown. I always found it so amazing to see the number of police officers, fire fighters and medics that showed up, at all times of the day, in many different circumstances without hesitation. Seeing the work that they selflessly do every day to help others in a time of need is inspiring. Many say its their job and they sign up for that – I say thank God they are called to do that line of work and want to work for others, because there would be a lot more crime, fear and danger in our lives if they didn’t.
KR: I couldn’t agree more! Now I’d like to talk about your superpowers. I believe we all have them. What are some of yours?
MK: I wouldn’t say anything I do or say is a super power, but I will say, I am lucky enough to have the self confidence to stand up for what I believe is right and important to my family and me. I went through a period in my life where I didn’t have the confidence to let my voice be heard – and it was the most suffocating feeling ever. I never want to live like that again, and will fight like hell to make sure my children never feel like that or make anyone else feel like that.
KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?
MK: This is always the easiest question for me. My mom, no doubt was the most influential person in my life. My mom was always my biggest cheerleader, go-to person, front row and loudest fan at every game, stayed up with me at night when I had friend drama or boy problems. I wouldn’t even have to say anything and she knew when I needed her. I have always been someone who has been told I am “too much” too loud, too dramatic, too emotional, too out there… My mom always would point out what a great quality it was to have to love as hard as I do and care about what I believe in so much it makes my voice heard. I now understand as I am raising my children how and why she could see those as a positive, and I can only hope I teach my kids the same thing.
CLICK HERE to learn how Meghan’s Mom inspired her to incorporate a special space in the shop for people with dementia and their caretakers.
Retail wall of Black Rifle Coffee Co. merchandise and coffee.
KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?
MK: This is a tough question for me. I initially say to turn back time. I would give anything to have time with my Mom again. Yet at the same time, I know that the future holds so many great days and memories so I am so excited to see what is yet to come. So I think I would have to say, I wish I had the ability to take each day as it comes, not over think everything, and just know what is meant to be will be. This is something I work on every day, and hope to some day feel at peace with this feeling.
KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
MK: Anything with my kids is where I want to be. I will say within the last two years, I have learned its okay to do things for myself and by myself without feeling guilty. I love to travel, I love anything DIY, I love time with my friends, I love being outdoors, and something most people find odd but I absolutely LOVE is a road trip. I will hop in my car last minute and drive to something I want to see or a place I want to visit without hesitation.
KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?
MK: Oh gosh. I would tell her to never lose herself, never give up what’s important to her, and not everyone will agree and that’s ok. I would tell her that beauty comes in so many different ways – more than a filter, a waist size, or a hair color. Real beauty comes through in self confidence, how you make others feel and how you love yourself. My favorite quote that has gotten me through a really tough few years is, “The Woman you are becoming with cost you people, places and material things…. Choose her over everything.” I remind myself of this quote often.
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