Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginel Bartleson
Hi Ginel, 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?
Growing up one of the staples in my family was Saturday morning Coffee at my grandma’s house. It was one of the few constants in my childhood. It was a time to connect with my extended family, a time to pause and BE with people. That is what I hope to create with COTA. COTA COFFEE comes from James 5:16 that says”Confess One To Another that you may be Healed”. I hope to create space an opportunity for people to pause from the busyness of life and connect with each other.
When I began to research what it would take to get started, I felt that the quickest way to get going was to start with a trailer. As I looked into that, I realized even that took more than what I had. I was reminded of the many stories in the Bible that God used what was offered to Him. So I looked at what I had; a home espresso machine, and started there. With the encouragement from my daughter in law, Kindal, I brought my machine to the Cedar Hill Peace Pantry Farmers Market. We worked the Farmers Market for that season. We bought the trailer and started popping up around Jefferson County in October of 2023. This has been one step at a time. We have recently found a spot in the parking lot of The Car Audio Shop in High Ridge to park regularly. We are super excited about this opportunity, especially since it is our target area for a brick and mortar shop. As fun as being mobile has been our heart is to create space and opportunity for healing, deep connection, and healed relationships to take place, so much can happen over a cup of coffee.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything worth doing is going to have challenges. For me the hardest part was taking the first step. I am not the best at preparation, I tend to be a “figure it out as I go” kinda girl. The encouragement from my daughter in law was key for me to take that step. Knowing she was willing to help where she could and believed in the vision was so important. My goal is to keep moving forward, each phase has felt like taking that first step all over again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
COTA COFFEE specializes in espresso drinks and Italian sodas. In the future we hope to create space to foster conversation and connection. While we are mobile we offer pre packaged grab and go items,
I love our name, what it stands for and the verse that it comes from! We are designed to need each other. As James 5:16 says when we Confess One To Another, there is healing. God often uses us to heal each other and the brokenness we all have. When we open up and share our struggles with one another we allow light into the darkest places of ourselves. We begin to bare one another’s burdens. The coffee is what brings us together, connection is the result.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Follow and share our Instagram @Cota.coffee and Facebook – COTA Coffee. Come by and see us! Right now we will be open Monday -Friday 5:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. We will adjust our hours as we move forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cota.coffee/profilecard/?igsh=ZWsxZnkzc280czZr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090283849093&mibextid=ZbWKwL
