08/01/2026
13 years of owning Hillbilly Beans โ๐๐ฅน
I'm feeling particularly reflective this morning
Thinking about 27 yearold me - buying an established business equal parts terrified and excited - how would I ever fill the shoes of the original owner? Am I smart enough for this? Omg this really happening - I guess I'll sink or swim.
Spoiler alert I doggy paddled for like a while!!
As with any big life change it's a shock to the system. I learned quickly that the business comes first. Period.
It's cute to say things like "I write my own schedule" but at the end of the day - if no one is available to work...I'm working.
If there is a problem with equipment - that becomes my focus until we are back up and running.
The first probably 7-8 years I STRUGGLED my way through learning how to lead. I had no managerial training to speak of - I micro managed, needed to be the best or felt like I wasn't enough - man those were some hard lessons.
Probably the thing I'm most proud of right now with HBB is we have a remarkably low turn over. Our newest employee has been with us a year and our longest at least six years. We've got previous employees that regularly visit and offer to fill in! I prayed for these days.
You know what has never ever ever been a struggle for me? Loving the customers. Loving the day to day connection. Appreciating the community. I'm obsessed with Littlerock. I think what we have here is so special and unique. I've found that I'm happiest and most fulfilled as the owner of Hillbilly Beans when I'm the one serving you guys.
A lot of life has happened between 27 and 40 - all kinds of major life changes and HBB has been the constant for me through all of that.
You guys are so much more than coffee customers to me...I hope you feel my sincerity in those words. I love celebrating the wins with you and being the person you trust with your tears. Making drinks for your little kids...that eventually drive themselves to HBB and start lives is their own. It's quite remarkable the depth of relationship that can be created in five minute interactions.
I often joke with the regulars "thanks for paying the rent" but like for real - thanks for paying our rent.
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