Tag: Photo by mmechelsea

PLEASE PLAY MY PLAYLIST ABOVE AS READING FOR FULL EXPERIENCE!

The idea to make my own coffee shop playlist came to me as I was standing at work during my regular Saturday shift. My coworker “L” asked me to throw on a playlist of choice at work. To some, this is a simple task. Yet, with so much liberty on what we can play in the shop, I found myself stumped. 

(if you’re curious, I ended up deciding on SZA’s album Ctrl (Deluxe) because it is my fave!)

However, with it being a difficult on-the-spot decision and feeling a sudden dread when being told to choose, I decided I would make my very own coffee shop playlist that I would test in the café… It ended up being a hit! 

THE PROCESS: 

1. I decided to use Spotify as a platform for my playlist because it’s something we use at the coffee shop I work at, and it’s accessible – free to listen (with ads) and the option to upgrade. 
2. I took a photo using the tea set I bought for $5.00 at a garage sale last summer. My partner works at a bakery, so he brought home some yummy butter tarts that I used as a prop! (and then ate them because I was hungry). 
3. Choosing the “right” songs was a difficult task- I could’ve had anything! I started by gravitating towards some favourites within the “oldies” range. As I became progressively confident, I ended up throwing some Harry Styles & Hozier songs in there. I kind of decided that this was more about me feeling creatively liberated as opposed to the “perfect” choice in songs. I recommend having fun with it if you try making a themed playlist! 

Although making a playlist in itself isn’t difficult, breaking down the barriers of perfection is. After some time, I let myself be free and dropped the pressure of curating the “best” coffee shop aesthetic. In the end, it felt good to make something I can actively add to & grow as I work. This project definitely doesn’t end here! 

Cheers,

Chels

(who is currently sipping on a cold coffee that I forgot about while finding songs)

Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.

Jim Hopper (Stranger Things S1 Ep 1)

Growing up, I was never really interested in coffee. I actually hated the way it smelt, the way it tasted, and the absolute mess the coffee grounds made on the counter after my parents made a fresh brew. 

I only ever really liked coffee in my second year of University. My roommate at the time loved coffee so much; she had the nicest Keurig, the fanciest Nespresso, and several tools/gadgets around the house. “H” has and still does have a way of influencing me. So one day, when I was super, SUPER tired after a long night of studying for an exam I was worried about, “H” told me to try some coffee. After some hesitation, I had a cup and felt more energized than ever. I was also super productive! I then began studying in coffee shops because the background noise helped me focus on my school work, and the smell of coffee became a comforting thing. 

Four years later, I find joy & nostalgia in a cup of coffee. I have worked at four different cafés including one that I currently still work at and love it so much! I have had nothing but good experiences with coworkers in these environments, and I enjoy the hustle bustle of café life. 

I have always felt that I haven’t had “enough time” to master the art of the latte, to become a “coffee sommelier” ( in other words an expert), and to become a better barista. So here I am, doing my best and working hard to get to a place where I feel confident in my coffee knowledge while having fun.

Cheers, 

Chels 

(who is currently drinking a Keurig coffee with almond milk, above)