Coffee bliss with the talented/ ma babes Karen Krum of Karen E Photo ( all images)
It's early and it's not hard to tell what's on your mind once the alarm starts chirping ( do people still use alarms). My alarm is my hubby, he's a rooster. Seriously he wakes up at the same time, everyday, no matter what. Anyways, luckily it's the weekend and you can snooze once or twice before you dive into your weekend happenings. I shower and throw on some major comfy wear, laced with some style of course ( more on this outfit situation later). This weekend involved a serious coffee date with one of my babes. We chat, eat bready things covered in sweet berry like concoctions and we sip away on delicious coffee. Coffee that makes your eyes smile at the sight and smell of it. Coffee that requires a moment of silence as you cradle the cup in your hands and take that first sip....ya I know! It's java foreplay...get a room!! ;) I'm sitting pretty in such a place. It's called Westward Coffee and Supply and it's the creation of mother and daughter Jessye White and Nicole Powell.
Located on Main street in downtown Boise, these babes decided to bring a fresh take to coffee lovers in Boise, Idaho. They're doing so by taking what they call their "pocket size" shop and building something that goes beyond your morning latte.
What made you decide to open a coffee shop?
Nicole: "My mom and I wanted to open a family business in Boise and had both worked in coffee. I wanted to get away from "making it" ie: big city big job big commute etc. and reconnect with the things that make me happy--people, conversations, and face to face interactions."
What does Westward bring to coffee lovers?
Nicole: "We have a different vibe than most coffee places. We are more traditional in our menu and do everything with great specificity--every cup of coffee is ground and brewed to order. But mostly, we really know the people who frequent our shop and we strive to get to k ow the new ones. For us it's not about having the most nuanced palette or creating an environment that is complicated or intimidating, it's simply about making damn fine coffee and connecting with people in a genuine way. We like coffee and we like people so it's a natural fit.
Your space has a beautiful calm to it... tell me a little about the design concept?
Nicole: "Our space is simple and efficient partly because it is so small! We wanted something minimal because we like the idea of the never ending movement of life through the space. The base palette is whites and ashy blonde woods because they create a perfect background for this concept. It is also reflective of what we love about Idaho. The wide open spaces, the miles of empty roads, the quiet after a snow. It's a peaceful place and we want that to show! We also have amazing photography from Rick Kuttler of our favorite places in the west."
Where does Westward fit amongst the growing trend of great coffee spots in Boise?
Nicole: "Westward is the kind of shop I fell in love with living in bigger cities like SanFrancisco and Portland. It's small, intimate and well curated. We also carry and represent Idaho roasters. We carry maps (Hailey) Doma (Coeur d'alene) and AfroPhil (boise) We are not trying to take over as a massive chain or sacrifice quality for the bottom line. We are family owned and operated and happy about that. I think we are just trying to create a nice, approachable, third wave shop where everyone is welcome to experience amazing Idaho roasters."
What's your beverage of choice?
Nicole: "A nice hot pour over!"
Nicole: "We believe that living local builds stronger communities and fosters relationships between the humans that live in them. Come in and have a cup before your next adventure or stay awhile and enjoy the atmosphere."
Don't mind if I do. There's a closeness that happens as you sit down in this modern, bright and welcoming space. It could be Nicole's charming wit or the pour-over magic she's about to deliver. I have a feeling it's both and so much more.
So now that you have your perfect latte in hand ( lucky you), lets chime in on the outfit situation. My obsession with style comes from a desperate need to be comfortable, like all the time. The audacity of me!! Merging both, especially when I style my clients is an exclamation that looking great can literally make you feel REAL good. I mean if that's not winning I don't know what is. So I work to create a fun balance with dressy and casual wear by mixing them together most of the time. No style stays in it's lane. We ALL play together. Sneakers with your lady like jacket, why the heck not?! :)
This darling sweatshirt is from JCrew and it has velvet dots. That's right, velvet!! It's cozy, dress me up or down and yes, comfy. Sweatshirts are no longer ONLY privy to being stowed in your back drawer to be removed for Netflix-athon. They can be front, center and style ready.
If you're heading to Westward shoot me a message...there's always room for good company and great coffee :)
Coat: Burberry Sweatshirt: JCrew Jeans: Grlfrnd ( Fancy Pants) Sneakers: New Balance Bag: Coach
