Barista to Designer

In the early fall of 2018, as a fresh-faced 18-year-old college freshman, I found myself seeking a job in Grand Forks. I knew from the start that I wanted to be a barista for a small coffee shop. I was recommended to take a year off of work focus on my academics, and find a routine. I tried this for two weeks before finding myself bored and eager for hands-on experience. So, I applied to Bully Brew and was training within a week.

Under the guidance of my supervisor, Jordyn (Current COO), and fueled by caffeine and early morning orders, I found myself becoming comfortable quickly. As I perfected my craft behind the bar, I also gained insight into the behind-the-scenes of operating a real small business, thanks to the mentorship and trust of Bully Brew's CEO, Sandi Luck. With each shift, I forged connections with loyal customers and absorbed the collaboration, gratitude, communication, and teamwork it takes to run a successful multi-location establishment and it was inspiring.

Fast forward three years, and I found myself presented with a unique opportunity. Sandi, always recognizing my creative side, presented me with a project: designing the label for the North Dakota Coffee Roastery coffee can, branded to North Dakota.

I immediately started sketching out ideas.

Drawing inspiration from my personal experiences growing up and traveling the state, I used Adobe Illustrator to infuse every element of the design with the ND spirit. Bully Brew made a post on Facebook asking customers what they would add and we got tons of great feedback and ideas. You betcha I included my home state’s history, success, and of course local favorites like tatertot hotdish. From the start I imagined a hand-drawn doodle style and wanted the state itself to pop with a vibrant color, keeping the background images black and white. After a few revisions with the ND Coffee Roastery Team, it was officially ready to be ordered.

Looking back at 2018 Barista Grace watching hours of YouTube tutorials on graphic design, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences from small-town North Dakota. From the East Grand Forks coffee house during 8:00 am rush, every step has been a lesson, and had I not pulled up on my moped to hand deliver my application that September day in 2018, I would not be where I am today, or made the connections I have - thanks to badass mentorship, guidance, hard work and being given a shot [of espresso].