HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT RMC?
“My two year anniversary is in late February, I think! So almost two years.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
“Brown, specifically beige.”
IF YOU COULD CREATE A BRAND NEW DRINK RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT?
“Oh gosh, I'm terrible at stuff like this. I'm sure it would be something really basic. It'd probably go on a fall seasonal menu.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RMC DRINK?
“Matcha forever, with oat milk!”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“‘Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers.’ Mary Oliver, my favorite poet of all time.”
ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF SINCE WORKING AT RMC?
“I'm much more resilient than I thought I was. I've been able to adapt to a lot of different changes and challenges—the beginning of Covid being one of the biggest.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY NICKNAMES AT RMC?
“Not that I know of? I've been called Luce before, I'm sure. A lot of people call me that.”
SHE'S PUBLISHED! HOW DOES IT FEEL HAVING YOUR POETRY IN A MAGAZINE?
“It's such an honor. Having someone read my poems and find them inspiring is such a cool experience. It makes my dream of being a full-time writer seem much more achievable!”
WHAT COMPELLED YOU TO APPLY TO WORK AT RMC?
“There were a lot of factors that got me to apply, but I think the biggest reason was the people. I was already a regular at RMC, so I knew who I'd be working with and who I'd be making coffee for. I felt cared for and supported by everyone before I ever showed interest in working there.”
YOU STARTED ROASTING LAST YEAR. WHAT HAS THAT BEEN LIKE?
“It's been a challenge, but such a fun one!! Learning how different adjustments affect the beans makes me feel like a scientist. It's also made it easier to understand why certain coffees taste the way that they do. There's so much detail that goes into it. Super cool.”
DESCRIBE ROUND MOUNTAIN IN 3 WORDS.
“Hospitable, innovative, generous”
NOT ONLY HAVE YOU BEEN A BARISTA, BUT YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN FEATURED ON THE ART WALL… TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE AND WHAT THAT MEANT TO YOU.
“It felt very similar to being published, but in a more intimate way! I have customers come in that ask me about the progress I've made on my book or share new poems that they've read with me. I've also been able to write custom poems for some of them, which has been such a joy!”
IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD THAT BE?
“Any place that is currently below 80 degrees, probably. But if you wanted me to get specific, Ireland.”
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES BEHIND THE BAR?
“Oh gosh, probably any shift I've worked with Sydney. We always find something to laugh about. The most memorable was the fourth of July, when we worked open to close together. We were so tired by the end of the day that everything was funny. Like the many ways a person can mispronounce ‘quiche.’”
WHAT IS ONE CHARACTERISTIC OR HOBBY OF YOURS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT?
“I started taking piano lessons when I was in kindergarten and went all the way through my sophomore year of high school. I actually hated playing piano until I got to college, but now it's super therapeutic for me. I especially love learning to play songs from my favorite movie soundtracks.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’VE ENJOYED SEEING RMC GROW IN DURING YOUR TIME HERE?
“It's been really cool to see how the team works together to support each other, whether that's on shift or just in everyday life. I think we all work really hard to be encouraging and empathetic to each other, which is so valuable to me.”
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE RMC IN 5 YEARS?
“I'd love to see a second location pop up somewhere!”
ANY LAST MESSAGE TO RMC?
“Thank you for always believing in me. It has made all the difference.”
