08/24/2026
This post is long overdue. Some of you may not know, but I, "Miss Paula," have taken an extended vacation. Words cannot express the deep gratitude that I have for all of your support throughout the past five years as I built the Parlour. I went from being a service provider in the criminal justice system to serving my community in a different capacity. I never knew how much that change would mean to me. I needed a mental health break and found my people, my tribe, my peace. Some may already know, but if you don't know, I have a passion for writing. I have published some books and became a best-selling author; now it's time to dedicate my knowledge and passion to full-time writing. I am still actively involved in the Parlour happenings. Recently, my daughter Cindy became a partner/owner of the Parlour. She has done an outstanding job growing the business. When I started the Parlour, she quit her job to help me start the coffee side of the business. She didn't have to, but she knew that I needed the help. She didn't ask for money, and she did it out of love for me. Not many people know that. She gave me the "in' to start slinging coffee. Look at us now! Cindy worked off and on, even when she was growing the littlest human in her own tribe! She was back behind the counter slinging coffee and scooping until her belly wouldn't fit! She will be the boss behind the counter while I am chasing my newest endeavor. I know she will be great!
I hope you all will be kind to her; being boss comes without pay sometimes, hours that aren't clocked in, dedication, sacrifice, and someone is always mad at you! It's not easy making decisions, and running a business comes with so much behind-the-scenes chaos and catastrophe that most don't see. Be patient, be kind, and give her a hug from her mama if she looks withered.
I want to take a moment to thank my team members. We have had a lot of high schoolers joining the Parlour team. They all did an outstanding job. Without the high schoolers, we couldn't operate for the long hours. Thank you, girls, for all that you did and continue to do.. I hope you know how much I have enjoyed working with all of you. I know you will go on to your next life adventure after your employment with the Parlour and you will excel in all that you do! Thank you for choosing us as your first job as high schoolers.
And last but not least, a big thank you to my adult girls; you help things run smoothly when chaos erupts, you show up, and we couldn't do it without you! (JoJo, Nakieta, Hailey, Faith) These girls all work second jobs, and they choose to walk through the doors every shift, doing their best to help out. I treasure your loyalty to the Parlour and your hard work. God truly blessed me with great people, a team, and an extended family.
My heart is eternally grateful for you. You stuck it out to stay with us longer than the usual ice cream season; thank you. You have become family, and I love you for your loyalty to the customers and dedication to your work. My cup is full and runneth over.
Coffee and ice cream became so much more than I had expected. I found a kinship; a healing that filled my soul.
For now, I'll focus on a much-needed break and my writing, and I'll be back occasionally to say hi!
