Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindley & Megan.
Hi Lindley & Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
We are sisters that grew up in Gatlinburg and have always loved the Gatlinburg community. After high school we both moved away to college, and then Megan traveled and moved to several different parts of the country working at many different coffee shops. She fell in love with the world of coffee and the way it brings people together and gives you an opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people. In 2020, Megan moved back to Tennessee and for the first time we both lived back in our hometown again. We began dreaming about what it would look like to open a coffee shop in Gatlinburg together. More specifically in the Arts & Crafts Community, a collective of local artists that our parents have been members for many years. The Community really showcases the roots of our area and the capable and talented people that live here. And we felt like the one thing it was missing was a space that people in the community could gather. In 2023 we signed a lease (in a space right next to our parents!), and we opened in September of that year. We’ve loved every moment of watching it grow into our own little special place.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obviously taking a leap into opening a business has its challenges. But we have been absolutely blown away by the amount of local support we have received. Like many businesses in the foothills of the smokies we are lucky to benefit from the well established tourism in the area. But on top of that, the way that the local community has shown up and rallied around us has exceeded our expectations. From the support of former elementary school teachers and classmates to new friends, we feel like we’ve grown something really special.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bloom & Berry Coffee House?
As business owners, we are dedicated to being very involved in every aspect of the day-to-day and behind the scene operations. From the very beginning, we knew that from our beans to our baked goods, freshness was a priority. We source our coffee from a local roaster, Vienna Coffee in Maryville. And we bake all our pastries in house daily. We take a great deal pride in the quality of the products and the service in which they are provided.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
In a business tourist town like Gatlinburg, it’s easy for businesses to over look the heart and soul of the business, the customer. In a small business like ours, every cup of coffee and pastry bought makes a difference. And so we try to really take the time to connect with each person that walks through the door so they can feel our gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomandberrycoffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomandberrycoffee
