In this episode, Devan and Kelsey sit down with Sarah MacFarland, the powerhouse owner behind Chrissy Beans, a beloved bakery and café with locations in Sackets Harbor and Watertown, NY. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from working at Chrissy Beans as a teenager to unexpectedly becoming its owner years later during the height of the pandemic.
From bold business moves to balancing motherhood, marriage, and mental health, Sarah opens up about:
How a spontaneous "yes" (and a job layoff) led her into entrepreneurship
The evolution from small-town barista to small-business owner
Building community through coffee, crafts, and open mic nights
Her unexpected transition from corporate life to café culture
Cultivating a team-first, supportive staff culture
Losing pieces of herself in the process—and the work of reclaiming her identity
Plus, we talk about the importance of solitude, the power of self-awareness, and why it's okay to want more—even when everything looks perfect on paper.
Hot Topics We Covered:
Growing a local brand while raising a family
Creating safe, inclusive spaces in small towns
Why peer-to-peer feedback and non-hierarchical leadership matter
That one sandwich that changed Devan’s life (hint: apples included)
Self-worth, burnout, and the myth of “having it all together”
Flash Round Highlights:
Guilty pleasure? True crime.
Favorite hype song? "Unstoppable" by Sia.
Bucket list? A mother-daughter trip to Woodstock.
Quote she lives by? “Fresh air and sunshine.”
Special Mentions & Shoutouts:
Weekly and monthly events at Chrissy Beans: Trivia Nights, Craft Meetups, and Open Mic Tuesdays
The upcoming Elevate Summit in Watertown (November 7–9, 2025)
Visit Chrissy Beans:
Sackets Harbor: Next to the post office
Watertown: Washington Street, in the plaza
Follow Chrissy Beans for event updates:Instagram | Facebook | Website
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