We host a guest from the North. Learn read her story below, and listen to the episode for a deep dive.
instagram: @parish.coffee
Greetings, and welcome to the very beginnings of Parish Coffee!
My name is Somer Bartel, and I am launching a small start up business in Calgary Alberta with the help of a few dear folks!
Background:
The dream for Parish Coffee began back when I was in my last year of my undergrad program in Behavioral Science (Psychology/Sociology) at Ambrose University here in Calgary. During this time, I was also completing a minor in Community Development with a focus on Domestic Poverty. The interest and passion for conscious business practices, ethical consumerism and social enterprises began to spark my imagination for my potential future vocation. I began to research and dream with one of my pastors; Calum. What came out of that was the idea of a mobile coffee truck in Calgary. Calum had the dream stirring in him for a while and invited me to explore the idea with him. The heart behind it being a missional space to connect with people. To go out to the people and meet them where they are, versus attempting to draw them into a physical Church building. A real 'Parish' mentality. At the time, I just thought it was a fun research project to explore and did not anticipate it becoming anything greater.Fast forward to the fall of 22' when I received a call from my dad, Merlin, who encouraged me it was time to get this thing off the ground! With the little business knowledge I had, but a large heart for seeing change in the world through conscious business practices, I (maybe naively) said yes! So the journey began, and is still going!
Why 'Parish'?
: Historically, a 'Parish' is a group of people that was under the care of a specific priest. The city of Calgary is the 'Parish' we seek to pour into and build relationships with through coffee and connection. And, as opportunities allow, to provide Spiritual conversations and care. Our heart is to go at a slower pace in life and business and take intentional time to get to know each individual we interact with and seek to know them better.
Vision:
The ultimate vision of Parish Coffee is to be a mobile coffee truck (think food truck), and serve up some good coffee to the folks of Calgary. The social enterprise piece ties in through the ethical coffee beans we source, and the folks we employ. Our goal is to employ anywhere from 3-6 women who face employment barriers in Calgary on our coffee truck. Our heart is to empower these women and offer practical work and life skills that are transferable!I have been volunteering with low-income single moms and their kids for many years and did my university practicum helping startup a local social enterprise that employs women survivors of sexual exploitation. My hopes is to work with organizations like these that are engaging in bridging the gap and providing more employment opportunities and community for these women.The Parish Coffee truck will function both at events as well as throughout the streets and parks of Calgary.