Paige says if she ever opens a coffee shop, she wants there to be a sign that says "take off your shoes and stay awhile." Also, a bin of socks that people can wear if they have bear feet. I love this idea, not only because I love being barefoot, but for the biggest reason because of how comfortable of a setting it creates.
You know people feel comfortable in your home when they take of their shoes, jump onto the couch, and put their feet up onto the coffee table.
And isn't that what you want? A vibe that is just welcoming and relaxed?
Now, we may not actually take off our shoes, but I always have that comfortable feeling when I walk into Brix. I've always known that Brix has been a wonderful place to work, a very friendly set of workers and just good vibes when you walk into the store, but every day I think about the fact I will be leaving in August, I think about how I will be leaving behind not only my family at home, but also my family at Brix.
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| Jonah and I |
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| Natalie and I <3 |
We tend to draw in fairly creative and down-to-earth people at Brix, which means for the most part, we all get along really well, not only at work, but outside of work as well. I love that we hang out, have Pintrest parties or potlucks, or even go bowling!
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| Staff Bowling Night!! |
Every day I work, even if I am the most exhausted or just downright crabby, my shifts are still filled with wonderful conversations and warm words of wisdom and encouragement. Whether it be chats about life, or boys, or weird customers, or nutrition, everyone kinda has a say about everything. But even so, their minds are open to all of your ideas too. It's not just chit-chat; it's intelligent conversation (unless we're meowing at each other...yes that does happen), and it keeps me going. Probably even more so than the excessive amount of coffee I drink.
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| Brix Family Dinner at Pizza Luce :) |
Our owner, Karen, has been so involved in my life for the past three years, not just in all things Brix, but also in knowing the daily drama of my friends, what shows I was participating in, and the big events happening in my life. She has taken on a role in my life as a mentor, but also a friend. As for the many coworkers I have seen come and go over these past few years, every one has impacted my life in some way. I have made some lifelong friends, and even those who no longer work there often stop back to say hi and get a crepe, just proving how wonderful of an environment there is.
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| Jonah, Kara, and I! |
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| Ann and I missing Sam :( |
I work with some awfully strong, independent women. (Sorry boys, you guys are great too, but the girls kind of overpower you ;) ) I am amazed by the wisdom they have to share with me, both from those older and younger than me. Everyone seems to have insight into what is happening in this world, and how we can take it head on. Not only are they intelligent, but also full of compassion and support. When I wanted to take a gap year, they supported me. When I wanted to be an actor, they said 'go get em!' When I changed my mind and am headed into my freshman year as undecided, they said 'good for you' and gave me a high five. It didn't matter where my life was taking me as long as I was happy with that decision.
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| Punch Pizza before Bowling! |
For everyone in my Brix family, thank you for being amazing, and as you encouraged me, I encourage you follow your bliss, whatever that may be. And wherever I end up in my life, I hope you come to visit me, take off your shoes, and stay awhile.
