Take Two: Reflection and Reviewing My Journalistic Experiences

Walking into my feature story, I did not know what to expect. I had ten questions drafted up about Still Waters Coffeehouse and a time slot to speak with the owners. Whenever I arrived, I sat down with Erik and Breeana Franz, opened my notes and began to talk with them about their lives.

I learned about their love story that began in 2001 when they were both children. I learned that they both had a dream of a coffeeshop, but sat that pipe dream aside to raise a family and work for corporate America. I learned what most journalists talk about, but I finally got to experience it: empathy and listening.

When Dr. Jenkins spoke with our class, one thing she said to avoid was expectations of how the story would unravel. Before I got to know the behind the scenes beginnings of Still Waters, I was set on writing strictly on the coffeehouse's successes and customers. However, knowing the who behind the small business makes the story more personable and enriches the impact in the community.

Each time I walk into Still Waters, I am greeted and treated like a friend. This points to the personable nature that journalists must have by showing empathy and by first having conversation. This piece taught me to not have expectations and let the story, and people, shock you.

That being said, going into the next assignment, video/podcast article, I am excited to see where the conversation goes. I plan on doing a video because I believe there is beauty through seeing--especially when it comes to the coffee industry. Moreover, it helps to see the aesthetics of each coffeehouse that helps show the audience what sets each small business apart. Although for the video/podcast has a script, the answers and response to questions you ask to different small business owners will vary, giving an unexpected and exciting results for the video. I am looking forward to this.

The photos gathered from Still Waters below! Taking images of people enhances the personality of the article and connectedness between the reader and the subject of the story

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Corrections for Article 2, Meeting Story:

Opening Up at Open Doors Coffeehouse

A monthly, behind the scenes meeting with Open Doors Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tennessee, reveals upcoming updates behind the bar and proposals for a successful community.

Owner and manager, Sherry Marion, offers the foundations of how each meeting unravels and shapes their expectations.

“We offer a new perspective and don’t really have a typical business mindset. We ask ourselves how we can improve and make it happen."

Marion, co-owner and manager of Open Doors, works alongside Jake Doriot to warrant efficiency and integrity in the foundations of the coffeehouse. Doriot, assistant manager, brings a business mindset to Open Doors, ensuring the logistics of the coffeehouse are met.

Team meetings between Doriot and Marion consist of fine-tuning the essentials for the benefit of the staff and customers. Their weekly meeting took place on Feb. 14, where they outlined their future goals and past achievements.

Recent projects have been decluttering bar space for efficiency, cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the coffeehouse. Ideas for the future successes of the small business include a new espresso bar, enclosing the porch area and celebrating five years as a coffeehouse this past December. When asked regarding their recent updates, Doriot explains how changes made behind the bar have established success.

“We have a busy bar. With our recent updates, it has made it more efficient and clean. We decluttered the bar and updated our menu."

Updates and consistent adjusting behind the bar lead to the effective accomplishments of the coffeehouse. These achievements are always evolving in order to grow the small business. Open Doors has had their doors open since December 2017 and hope for a celebration April 5, 2022. The event will celebrate successes with the team and community that make it possible to keep the doors swinging and drive-thru bell ringing.

Behind the successes and busyness is a team composed of diverse personalities that make the goals set by Marion and Doriot attainable. The balance, trust and work ethic established at Open Doors impacts the team to work with ease, originality and to always have fun.

Dylan Davis, one of the 25 part-time team members, is a barista that serves the community through creating beverages and conversation. When asked how he felt about working with the small business, he reveals his excitement.

“I have been here for a year. I love the individuality of being able to wear whatever you want, have conversations, and listen to music. It’s slow and relaxed and I get to be involved in making something for others to enjoy."

Working at Open Doors helps develop barista’s abilities while supplying opportunities for growth and improvement. Marion and Doriot do their best to help guide, shape and involve their team in any new updates.

“We build our staff to empower them and promote them,” Marion said.

With a business founded on trust, integrity and balance, Open Doors’ intentions consists of welcoming everyone with an open door. Moreover, the foundations of the coffeehouse are targeted toward community. Marion and her husband are the founders of Rise Up, an after school mentorship program for students. Before opening Open Doors, Marion and her husband weighed the risk and rewards for the community impact.

“Starting a business is a risk, and we took that risk. We have integrity in our foundations at Open Doors. We love it here and want to support our community. The profits made here go to Rise Up, right back into the community,” Marion said.

Money spent at Open Doors Coffeehouse is funneled into Rise Up where mentors help guide, pray over and provide prospects for children to better their future. The coffeehouse not only provides coffee and community within, but also supports the individual outside. Through providing mentorship and donations, students are able to pursue their passions.

Open Doors Coffeehouse focuses their services on community impact, team building and communication values. Without these key essentials, their goals for the growth of the coffeehouse would not be effective. Kassidy Morton frequents Open Doors Coffeehouse six days each week and has much to say about the atmosphere of the coffeeshop. When asking Morton why she frequents the coffeehouse, she reveals that it is more than the coffee that takes her there everyday.

“I am bit of a coffee addict and don’t mind spending my money here, it really is great environment. I know a lot of people here, all of the regulars because I am one. I met some friends through Open Doors and just love to talk to people here. I think it is cool how they put money into the community, but I would come here anyway.”

Morton escapes to Open Doors every day to study for medical school. She has met most of her community through the doors of the coffeehouse, and she looks forward to connecting with people every day. Her love for coffee and people has kept her a regular there for over two years.

The coffeehouse provides more than a cup of joe, it offers opportunity: to meet friends, to study, to disciple, to grow skills and to give back to the community.