Caylie met up with business owner @amy_counce to chat about how finding your “why” is a game-changing first step in making long-term and short-term decisions for your business.
Are you dreaming about opening your first space at Painted Tree? Or the next steps for your business? We’ve got three tips from Amy on how to make a dream a reality.
Process it.
Marinate on your idea, and then put your dream to paper. This is the first step in putting your vision into a physical form!
Share it with people.
Start sharing this idea with the people you trust, and let them champion you! This will give you the accountability to continue pursuing your goals.
Build your “village”.
Mentors, cheerleads, support. As they say, it takes a village! Who do you need to find to invest in your business? Do you need a mentor who has already taken this journey? Do you need a bestie to consistently remind you that you got this? Build that village that will push you over the finish line.
Ready for more? You can find the full podcast and transcript below!
Transcript:
Caylie:
This podcast is produced by Painted Tree Boutiques. Welcome to the Life and Style podcast. I’m your host Caylie Lane and on this podcast I chat with dreamers and doers about all things life, style, and everything in between, because style is more than what’s at the surface. It’s self-expression, creativity, and stepping into who you are.
Caylie:
Hello, wonderful friends. I am so excited to share with you today the conversation that I had with Amy Counce, she is such a wonderful and radiant human being. She owns Nexus Coffee and Creative in Little Rock Arkansas, which is a space that I frequent. I love it. She is such a welcoming person and has created a space that is such a welcoming culture for people to walk into. And I know that it means so much to so many and not only has she created this amazing space, but she is so intentional in the way that she runs it, in the way that she operates with her team and also just in her personal life. She shared so much goodness about her business and about her life that I think is going to be beneficial for you as the listener, whether you are opening a business dreaming about starting a passion project, or maybe you’re just a person with an open heart ready for some wisdom that can impact so many different areas of your life.
Caylie:
Amy shares so much about leadership, about business, about the way that she operates from morning to evening in her day. And we talk so much about the value of intentionality throughout all of it. Quick reminder to connect with us on Instagram, if you haven’t already @thelifeandstylepodcast. And if you have a moment I would so appreciate if you would leave a review for this podcast, it really helps it grow. Also tag us on your Instagram story. That would be amazing. We would love it so much. So it is without further ado, I introduce you to my friend and Nexus Coffee and Creative owner, Amy Counce. Hello? Hello, Amy. How’s it going?
Amy:
Hello there. Doing so great. I’m very honored to be on with you today.
Caylie:
Oh, I’m so glad to have you on the podcast. I’ve so been looking forward to it. Let’s get started by you kind of giving a little intro, tell us who you are and what you do.
Amy:
Yes. I love that question. You know, like many of us, I, I have different hats that I wear during my life. And my journey so far has taken me on a lot of different paths. I am a local and native to little rock Arkansas, and I love this state. It is so beautiful and I just feel grateful to live here. And I went to school up at university of Arkansas. So we’re a big Razorback family. And I graduated with hospitality and Spanish degrees, two of ’em. And that was really neat because I wanted to kind of combine sort of the creative language world with the world of hospitality and customer service. I always loved bringing people together. That was something I loved since I was, since I was little, it’s just creating spaces and hosting the birthday parties and, and traveling and seeing spaces that have inspired me.
Amy:
So it led me to move back here in little rock. And I met my husband actually the two weeks after our grand opening in downtown, and he is a med peace physician at Children’s and UAMS. And we have a rescue Coonhound pup named Riley. So we’re a dog, mom and dog dad right now. And we, we live here in Midtown and we have a home that we’re really just kind of nurturing and making our own and updating our style and design as we go. And I’m very grateful. I love my family. I love to be outside and explore Arkansas and our state parks that we have. That’s a big thing that I love doing and I’m passionate about is just, it’s just being outside with a good book and just connecting with nature. And
Caylie:
So you’re speaking my language big time and Arkansas really is an amazing place for that really, really oh, what a good intro, such a good big picture view of you and your life. I’m so excited to talk about all the things, but first let’s talk about Nexus coffee shop creative. Tell me what led to the opening of that and kind of where your head and your heart was at.
Amy:
Yes. I love this question. Because you know, Nexus really, it all started on a napkin back in the fall of 2016. 2016 was a really hard year for me personally. I just went through a lot of heavy things and I just believe sometimes through point points of pain and points of hardship can come some of the biggest dreams and ideas. And that was the case for me going through what I did that year, it really allowed me to process and think through what I wanted to do with my life. And I just believe that we are, we all have a calling and we are all created to walk in our calling, whatever that might look like. And it often times evolves as, as we get older. And so I was sitting across the table from my dad, just, you know, remembering this and trying to place these words of, of what I wanted to do next with my life.
Amy:
So on a napkin, we Sunday afternoon at a cafe after church, my dad and I were writing out ideas and I just told him, Hey, I just, I just feel like there’s more I’m supposed to be doing. And I’ve always loved creating spaces since I was little for Christmas parties and birthdays. And I just loved looking around and seeing people laughing and having fun and, and feeling welcomed and seen in a space. And so that little napkin led to me putting in my two weeks at the end of the year at my job. And I, I finished there having, I met so many people in my job, right outta college. It was a hospitality, nonprofit I was in. And so I met so many hotelers and restauranters and people in hospitality and inspired me with their own stories. And so that next year I started putting pen to paper, business plan.
Amy:
I applied for a minority, small business loan. I just started gathering my village as they say, and, you know, going to different coffee shops and getting inspired. And I love this idea of a nexus. It means like a connecting point, like a central place, but we wanted to kind of cozy up the word and make it feel inviting and, and kind of like a, a central place of connection for all different types of people with all different walks of life mm-hmm <affirmative>. And, you know, I loved the creatives being from Arkansas. We have so many, so many amazing makers and creatives. And so we opened our doors in July of 2017, July 15th, and we just didn’t look back. I’ll be honest, you know, we had no clue what we were getting ourselves into. I just knew, I guess I’ll figure this out as I go, I was 25 years old.
Amy:
I’m about, I’ll be 30 this year. So we’re five years this summer, and it’s been a lot of mistakes and a lot of learning. But I can say this year, especially in the last two years that we have grown so much I have grown so much as a person and as a teammate, and I’m thankful for that. And we are now we have doubled in size in downtown and we’re just thankful and we’re just continuing to be creative and think outside the box. And most importantly, have a fun work environment that really matters to me.
Caylie:
Oh, amazing. And I love it. You really do such a wonderful job of being creative and thinking outside the box. So for people who have never, who aren’t from Arkansas or who have never visited nexus, it’s a coffee shop, but it is also like you were saying a hub for makers. And so you guys are selling products that are created by local people and you’re championing them and you’re welcoming people in and introducing them to these makers. And it’s a really, a really cool experience. I think you’ve done such a good job of fusing these two concepts together really well in a way that feels seamless.
Amy:
Thank you. Well, and you know, I, you’re a creative yourself and I think we all have it in us. We sometimes have to find it or dig it out and use it and channel it. So I just believe everyone has it. And, you know, having it space where people can feel inspired or, you know, bring in their little ones or just start a, a relationship or have a great business meeting or sign that contract, you know, make it happen. That third space is very neutral ground. And there’s something about me looking around and I love seeing people of different diversity and walks of life, literally just sitting together doing it is what they, what they love or what they’re purposed for or what they’re there for. And that’s really what our space is about. It’s not just about our business, you know, it’s, it’s bringing in creatives and bringing in those, you know, our mind is, is always, is always moving with ideas. So sometimes it’s, it’s great to have a space where you feel like and spaces in our community. We’ve, we’ve got so many great ones where you feel like you can, you can do that.
Caylie:
Yeah. That really is one of those experiences where you know, that whatever the vision at beginning was, is still, still holding true on the day to day basis. And I feel like that’s not always the case.
Amy:
Yes. So, well, thank you for saying that we really try to live it out again. That’s, that’s having gone through and learned a lot along the way, made many more mistakes than wins. And through that, you really realize how, how important it is to have a relational business and not a transactional business, because if you build it on relationships and, and making that the priority, then the, the success part comes later, but it comes because you’re staying true to the why that, that really got you started in your, in your idea and your dream.
Caylie:
That’s a big one staying true to the why. Yeah. so tell me a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you these days. <Laugh>
Amy:
Yes. And you know, big thing that I’m really working on is more of a morning routine. I felt like for a while, as, as we were sort of adjusting in the last couple years, it was sort of, it wasn’t consistent for me, what each morning should look like to start the day. But really what I love to do is my husband’s up pretty, Reid is up pretty early headed to the hospital to take care of the little ones. So his alarm usually goes off. So usually I’ll have my morning, you know, with me and Riley, our dog is here and I love actually wait to have my coffee, I’ll shower. If I’m feeling energized, I will go get outside and move my body or go on a run because we’ve got a park down the street in our neighborhood. So that’s a great spot for it. I’ll wait to have my coffee. I’ll say that again. I don’t.
Amy:
Yeah, but I, because I just like to have that first cup in the shop for whatever reason mm-hmm <affirmative> so I’ll rest. I usually through that and kind of thinking and processing through the day. And if my quiet time happens, it’s usually pretty early on in the morning. I try and get at least five to 10 minutes. It’s not much, but I, I do have gratitude where I just say five things I’m grateful for that morning. And I don’t do this every morning. I’m really trying to do this every morning or more often if five, kinda like a gratitude like speaking it out and proclaiming five things. Even if it’s in the room around you or people or circumstances you’re grateful for. And that really, really gets me started. And then I’ll, I’ll head out to, if I need to drop off Riley
Amy:
At doggy daycare, I will. And I, we’re about 10 minutes from the shops. I’ll head downtown. It’s a really easy drive that I feel like I know so well now. And, and I’ll go in and, and have my cup of first cup of coffee and kind of greet the team members that are there usually about eight o’clock I’m I’m in between seven and eight. And we, our couple of openers already there, so I’ll check in with them and go check a few emails. And usually I’ll, I’ll just go in and kind of start the, the day in the shop be it that I need to run errands or have an office day is, is typically on Mondays. And then from there we close at five o’clock. So usually I’m there most of the day and we close up our space about five and I love to cook. So usually Mondays are my kind of grocery store day, but I’ll just, it’s a very, it’s kind of a creative outlet for me to have fun in the kitchen and I try and make it that way. It’s not always that way. Sometimes it’s get it done and we don’t have any kiddos right now. So it looks different. I know as time goes on. So I try and play around with different dishes in the kitchen and Reed isn’t picky. Thank goodness he eats about anything.
Caylie:
That’s wonderful.
Amy:
That’s wonderful. So I will usually come up with a, a recipe and I’ll play around within the kitchen and, and we try and eat as soon as, you know, read is home. And we love to either read a book or watch one of our favorite shows be at the office or a Harry Potter movie. And we’ll try and get to bed at, at a good time. And so that way, since we are up early, we’re really trying to do better about sort of a sleep schedule. And through that, I just try to be intentional with conversations with my friends and family. Some nights it might looking like having a girl’s night at HTT, a happy hour. Sometimes it might look like going popping in to see my mom or my Nana, you know, some, some nights it’s, it’s going to an event with UAMS or children’s that Reed is having little social gathering or having a private event at nexus. So dependent on what that night brings. Sometimes it’s cooking and sometimes it’s, it’s out around town. So that’s typically fight for me.
Caylie:
Oh, what? That was a wonderful summary, wonderful summary. And I also have to say, I love the events that you guys throw at nexus. You’re always doing something new, whether it’s featuring a musician or it you’ve done trivia nights and all kinds of fun stuff. So I love that. You’re always changing it up and doing, I don’t know, just fun, exciting, new things in there. But I love hearing about your daily routine and I feel like people listening to this would be interested to know for someone who’s listening, who is interested in starting or growing their own business, not really sure what that’s gonna look like in their life. What would be some lessons that you’ve learned or some advice that you would give to someone kind of just beginning this journey
Amy:
That is so great. You know, I would say you know, I would say kinda let it marinate, but really let it, let it marinate. Think about it, process it, talk about it with people you trust. So it sort of starts and here and it here, and then you write it down and then you start processing it out loud. So those were sort of the three steps that I did of, I took my time to process it. I started writing it in a journal or on a napkin, whatever that might look like and then sharing it with people you trust the most important step to take after that is building your village. I call it your mentor village you know, or your cheerleading village. So your support team, people, you trust a friend or family members that, that you can combine in to share.
Amy:
Other business owners around town other mentors could be a podcast that’s encouraging, focused on building a business, building a culture, building something from the ground up and gathering some books on the subject. So from there it’s really gathering your village. And that would be the biggest thing I would say, because we can’t, I can never do any of this just me and I never want to, you know, yes, it’s gonna, the seed is planted in you, but it takes a lot of, of water a lot of time. And a lot of, you know, patience to watch it grow. We are just five years in and we are just now seeing some of the fruit of that and it just takes, it really does. And just to not, not give up most importantly, stay true to yourself through the process, discovering your why along the way, as you’re journaling and writing those ideas, pen to paper, business, plan sketches, you know, identifying that why is really important cuz as you start sharing it with others, they’re gonna wanna ask you that. Why, why, you know, why are you, what kind of gap are you trying to fill? What’s your purpose? What’s your passion here? Why do you think the community needs this? And just identify what that is for you. I think that’s so important to do, not just one time, but in anything you do in any decision you make in any new project, you start ask yourself why and make sure that it stays true to what your, why is your, your values are yes.
Caylie:
Yes. so good. And you’re reminding me to something reminding me of something I’m continually coming back to, which is the idea that like living a whole and full life is the alignment of your thoughts and your values and your actions and like doing the best that you can to find that alignment where you’re not feeling out of sync where your actions are completely not reflecting the things that matter the most to you. And I feel like that’s what you’re hitting on here. It’s like it has to be coming from somewhere deeper somewhere that’s somewhere that is significant to you.
Amy:
Yes. Amen. It really does. I love that that alignment is so important. It’s so crucial and needed. Because you know, in our lives be it our profess our professional life, our personal life we oftentimes have a lot of decisions to make. So it really is important to identify what that, what that, why is to you and what your values are in your life, what you prioritize and sure it is matching up with that.
Caylie:
Yeah. And I also love that you broke it down in a way that feels simple, but really it is so important to put it in writing and then speak it out loud because I think both of those steps actually can be really intimidating. Something about putting it in writing. Maybe it’s a dream that feels too big and it just feels impossible. You never even put it in writing in the first place. And then once you put it in writing, maybe it feels a little bit more doable. Okay. Maybe I can say it out loud to somebody.
Amy:
Thank. Yeah. I mean, yeah. I, I think it, it’s something that provides realistic steps as you start your journey, but that that’s really what helped me. And I oftentimes go back to you is if you have any idea, dream, or project, just, you know, kind of starting those three steps really before you start gathering that village around you, you know, your team, if you will, and they can just be resources, it could be that you’re part of your podcast or YouTube channel or an inspiration you know, an influencer on Instagram that you love and then inspired by like, you know, whether the, they realize it or not, they’re still part of your inspiration in your village. And that that’s, that’s important. Those three steps really that helps me define. And I oftentimes try to go back to those when I can.
Caylie:
Yeah. Yeah. Oh, so good. Okay. I wanna know what are some key lessons that you have learned about effective leadership and create a culture that is healthy and positive in the workplace?
Amy:
That is something that I feel like is always evolving, but for us at nexus. But a lot of it for me has been systems and ideas that have come with time. I have to, you know, tell y’all when we first opened. I, I didn’t understand that, you know, we, I think we were just so overwhelmed for a couple years of what is even going on. How do I balance if that’s even a thing in life?
Caylie:
<Laugh> the myth of balance <laugh>
Amy:
Yeah. Balance all this. And, you know, because we have we’re women wear a lot of hats and, and, and so there for a little bit, it was, it was just trying to take it one step at a time and figure everything out. And that was two years in and then COVID the pandemic hit. So you know, we, weren’t far along and we had just expanded in January of 2020 our space. And so most of what I feel like we’ve put into place really happened in the last couple years, because of again, kind of a, a dark heavy time, you know, came a lot of prioritizing and processing and rethinking things. And I read some books and I listen to the entree leadership podcast I love. And just a lot of it was building this system of culture. So not just focusing on your business and your customers, but prioritizing inside out, if your team isn’t taking care of, how can they take care of your customers in the community, if they’re not nurtured and care of how can they turn around and, and make sure when you’re not there, that that they’re doing what you would be proud of and how can you make them feel proud of themselves finding their strengths?
Amy:
You know, I learned, I kind of, we have a new interview system we go through when we’re find new teammates, you know, how can we use their strengths and, and giving them a leadership role? You know, a small thing is just giving them an email and a business card, you know? So they feel like they’re a part of something, you know, coffee shops you think, okay, well, they’re just a barista about the counter. No, that’s our director of marketing and branding, Jake, you know, that’s our community events manager, Sarah, you know, that’s our head roaster and wholesale ninja chase. And they’re all very crucial to the business. Yes. They know how to make some coffee and we’re big coffee nerds, but that isn’t who they are. You know, they are so more than that, there’s so much more complex than that. And these are things that I wish I could have known at the very beginning, but we are, we are thankful we had time to, to figure out how to empower people.
Amy:
So there, you know, this, you know, turnover is high in restaurants and coffee shops, and we’re trying to prevent that. We’re trying to have people that have more sustainable careers and providing benefits, even if it’s just a couple benefits and providing a retirement plan and giving the, and the opportunity to have a voice at the table, having team nights and team meetings and, you know, more communication on weekly emails and just starting new things that we had never had before. Yeah. And most importantly, just making sure they feel a part of the process. I always tell them you have two pathways. You’re either going to use nexus as a stepping stone to your career and how can we help you get there? Or this is your career and you really wanna foster it. Okay. How can we help you get there? And both pathways are very important and we wanna support you in both, but let’s be transparent about that.
Amy:
So that way we can help you get to your dreams and your goals. And that’s really important to me and having those one to one conversations often of transparency is, is good. And, and sometimes they’re difficult and, and sometimes they’re, you know, challenging being, being that transparent with people. But I do feel like we want to make sure that their lives are, are very nurtured and you know, that they’re feeling that they’re a part of something. And I, we do call ourselves a family. And I, I know sometimes, you know, family also means that, you know, you’re not always gonna see eye on everything and it’s not always, you know, there’s gonna be mistakes and things that happen, but you still can sit at the, the Thanksgiving table and pass the mashed potatoes and someone’s doing dishes and someone’s taking out the trash and, you know, you help each other out. And that’s, that’s what it’s about is you, you really help each other and, and watch each other.
Caylie:
Oh, so good. And there’s so many, so many practical tips that you just shared in there that I feel like are something that can be applied in so many different industries, so many different types of businesses and projects. So thank you for sharing that.
Amy:
Oh yeah. Yes. we, it’s a learning process always <laugh>
Caylie:
Yeah, yeah, totally.
Amy:
You know, what does intentionality mean and how can we, how can we define that? Even in the little things, you know, I mean, it’s, I can get so big picture vision and projects and creative that yes. You know, need to show up in the little things too and do the little things well, that’s just as important, you know, they need to see, for example, you know, cleaning the shop, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, I’m gonna always do that, you know, and, and that’s good for my team to see that if we ask them, if something, we should be doing it, and that’s a great that’s servant leadership. And, you know, I think it really humbles you in a way of saying, Hey, we’re in this together, you know I see this as even playing field and I’m the caboose just pushing it along, but I need, I need y’all, you know, I, there are things I am not good at, you know, and I need y’all and recognizing that saying, Hey, like, you’re really good at this. Or, Hey, thanks for taking out the trash. And also thanks for working on this big project, you know, and, and building a website, it’s, you know, we have varying degrees of how people can, can help and serve. I think they’re all important, you know, they really are.
Caylie:
Yeah. Oh, so good. I just love that. And there’s so there’s so much there. So thank you. I know anyone listening who’s, who is leading in any capacity. There was so much goodness in that
Caylie:
The life and style podcast is produced by painted tree boutiques with locations across the country, painted tree is home two hundreds of local shops, all under one roof painted tree vendors, specialize in gifts, decor, fashion, and so much more for shoppers. It’s truly a one stop gift shop an experience like no other. And you can feel great about your purchase. Knowing that you’re supporting a small business, four vendors owning a shop at painted tree is an unbelievable opportunity for growth owning your own business is so rewarding, but the cost of opening a brick and mortar store can be staggering when you take it on by yourself. Did you know the average cost of opening a retail store is $100,000. The reason painted tree was created was to give people with a dream of fighting Chan at succeeding. We are passionate about giving dreamers like you, the opportunity to do so without the buckling financial risk that comes with it in this community, we share costs, resources, and wins to learn more about how you can open a shop inside painted tree, visit paintedtree.com/vendors. So this is a change in subject, but I wanna talk about your style. How would you describe your personal style, whether that’s in the way that you dress in the way that you furnish your home or anything else?
Amy:
I love that question because I didn’t always, honestly, girl didn’t, I didn’t as much define this in my early twenties, but I, like I said, I’ll be I’m 30 this year. And I am just in the last couple years, you know, really developing a sense of love for design and style. Our shop is slowly evolving and our space at home is too. Oftentimes we just use what we had at nexus and things people gave to us as you got started. And now I I’m, I’m really loving it. So the two spaces really, I, I love, I love character and I appreciate sometimes things that are vintage or antique incorporated with the new and the old, I like to see a piece that feels like it could tell a story our space downtown we’re trying to evolve in more of a, kind of an industrial rustic concept that still has warm tones to it.
Amy:
And then here in our home, you know, we really, I also love different rooms to have different purposes to them. So I would say, you know, there’s a little bit of a, a kind of, a little bit of a rustic element to it, but definitely a little vintage flare, you know, I’ve got this fun seventies chair with the orange cushion and, you know, and then there’s a, a kind of a gray sectional. So it’s, it’s a little bit of a blending, but I really love pieces that tell a story that feel like Arkansas to me. So we bring in the elements of like stoneware and wood and, you know, I like to incorporate that as well. And that that’s really important to me. And so how can we sort of bring that in a space? So it’s fun to get it, to do the shop space and then our home, because there’s two different like areas of my life that, you know, they do blend together and it has been really fun to come up with it and, you know, the space downtown nexus, it, it really is evolving and it’s fun to see it kind of have an artistic flair to it now with murals, you know, some local art
Caylie:
Yeah, it’s got such a fun vibe in there. It really does hit on the rustic industrial thing. And I love that you hit on, you know, it’s always a blend because we’re human beings. We are a blend experiences, the things that we enjoy, it’s a blend. So our style’s gonna reflect that. <Laugh>
Amy:
Yes, definitely. And you know, I’m, I’m not a super girly girl, but I I feel, I love things that kind of remind me of the world outside and I love getting my hands dirty and you know, I nature and I love kind of earthiness, if that makes sense, earthy tones really speak to me. And so I like to bring that in as much as, as much as I can. And that really fun. I, I’m not a very modern lady, I guess, so things aren’t always very slick and clean, but I appreciate different textures now. Whereas some, you know, you might have a, a very clean countertop, but you know, it could have a wood bottom and a really fun rug, you know, just incorporating textures and trying things out. And, you know, like you said, a, a blend of things that speak to you, for sure that worked, you know,
Caylie:
Totally and talking about bringing nature in to your space, resonates with me on a deep level, because I feel like whatever it is, however I’m doing that, it really regulates my mood and boosts my productivity and helps me relax. Like it is really remarkable. How much of an impact bringing nature into a space has not only aesthetically, but in the way that it affects me on a internal level.
Amy:
Yes, absolutely. It, you know, the space has life to it and, you know, we can give it that, you know, okay, do we wanna play off the light? Do we wanna play off some darker moody tones? Do we wanna, you know, what do we wanna do here with it? These are things I’m just now getting into. So it’s fun to talk about because sometimes in your twenties for me, I, I didn’t really know what I really wanted or really was passionate about and, and who really I, my identities really has formed in the last couple years. And it’s, it’s fun ownership of that. And you start to, you know, enjoy things. More, I, I just have heard the 30s are where it’s at. So I think I’m just ready. <Laugh>,
Caylie:
You’re going into the glorious thirties. It’s gonna be wonderful. But yeah, it really is fun to kind of come into a place of owning your style and discovering that you can experiment with it and, you know, learn what you love and how it affects you and how it makes a space feel. It really, there really is a lot of significance in those choices and in the, in the feeling that you get to make those choices.
Amy:
Yes. I completely agree. There is. There’s so much significance there and purpose there. Absolutely.
Caylie:
Totally, totally. Okay. So my next question for you and you kind of hit on this earlier, but what would you say are some of the key daily rituals for you that are important for your mental health?
Amy:
Yes. And mental health is, oh my goodness. I am so glad we talk about it as much as we do. And it’s very important to talk about. I just believe in that we are in a time where thankfully so much more discuss, but it wasn’t always, I think our generation above us, our parents, for example, didn’t really understand the concept of maybe therapy and counseling in the way we grow, have grown up in. And how important it’s, if you feel comfortable to talk about it with people you trust or talk about it openly, so people feel like they’re not alone. Yeah. So, you know, for me, you know, it’s, it’s kind of, I’ve heard it phrased as pockets of peace, finding your pockets of peace in your life mm-hmm <affirmative> and really prioritizing them. So when I get too busy, I don’t have, even though I love what I’m doing, my pockets of peace are rest and going on a walk with Reed and Riley and being at a park and going to one of our great park cabins for a couple nights.
Amy:
Sometimes having to disconnect a little bit, you know, from my, or, or from social media really helps being by water is really so feeling from me. So these pockets of peace help, I have realized with my, my mental health journaling, maybe opening up and, and reading a scripture that speaks to me or turning on a, a song that really will impact me and listening to music. So sort of discovering, you know, what those all are. And sometimes it’s a movie night with popcorn and watching, you know, a Harry Potter movie, and that can be a moment. So making space for it, it’s not always easy. And I, you know, I say this, we don’t have any human children, you know, and it changes, I think then. And so you can discover what that looks like, kids, a family, your little moments.
Amy:
And it’s so sweet to see y’all have your little moments together. But I really feel like back in, especially in the last couple years it’s just been, it’s been tough and, and I’ve had some good shower cries and you know, I just think it’s good to talk about, you know, it’s just good to know we’re not alone. I think women, we put so much on our shoulders and, and sometimes we need each other to take some of that off and remind each other for grace. It’s okay. It’s okay. If you’re walking through depression, it’s okay. If, if your body’s acting really strange and you don’t know what’s going on physically and you know, it’s okay if you, a season of hibernation and, and you, you know, in the winter time and you’re like, man, I just, you know, I need to see the sun and, and maybe go move my body a little bit.
Amy:
That’s fine. You know, I think it’s just giving yourself that grace and that space and having friends that also do that for you and encourage you in that way. I don’t believe cause that balance is such a funny word to me, but I think you just do your best. I think prioritizing is more important. You know, and, and being able to yeah. Discover what those, those moments of rest and nourishment mean to you and, and doing more of it. We’re putting on our Cal cabin couple nights in Arkansas, we have such a beautiful state to explore you. You usually don’t have to go too far to find some water and some trees and a couple mountains, so,
Caylie:
Oh, and it’s amazing how healing it can be. I always say there’s a reason we’re so attracted to nature. We are part of it and it feels like home to us. And so it’s so healing.
Amy:
Yeah. It, it, it is. Yeah, we, yeah, we come from it, you know, and so we’re the creation of it. And so I just think that’s kind of where we can go back to the roots of it all and find God in it again. And, you know, I just think we’re all on a different journey and, and a lot of what we have common ground in is that is nature. I’ve never heard, man. I just, I don’t, I don’t like it out there. You know, I just,
Amy:
I, I think we all, we all find something we love out being with being outside in nature and it can look like all kinds of things. Some people love, we had a team night last night and we went around and we said, tell us your one place, your dream place to go travel to. And, and some people said, I just wanna go to Switzerland and see the Alps. And I, and some people said, I wanna go to Bora Bora and my feet in the sand and someone else was like, I New Zealand and explore. And you know, it’s just, it’s so crazy how, you know, we all have different ways we connect with nature, but they’re all very important. And it’s good to discover that.
Caylie:
Yes. Oh, so good. So good. Okay. Tell me what a key piece of advice that you would, what is a key piece of advice that you would give to your younger self? Maybe like 15 years old, Amy?
Amy:
I would just say stay true to who you are and not worry. Don’t feel like you have to apologize for being true to yourself and your, your belief. And also stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks. You know, I just think that is, oh man, the best way to put it is I was a chameleon for a long time. And so I oftentimes would morph to whatever I needed to be to people are that environment. And I kind of lost who I was. So I’m just now really in the last few years and having met Reed, he’s so bold in who he is. And I, I just love that about him. It’s like, he’s never once had to do that. And I, and I just find that so inspiring. He’s just himself. Yeah. And every space he walks into and that’s okay. You know, I think I just, I wanted to click with everyone and, you know, it’s okay if you don’t, I mean, you just have to be who you are. You’re gonna, you’re gonna, I know you’re circling your tribe. And I think what they think is important, but outside of that, you know, I think you just have to be able to stay true to who you are. Not apologize for it, but own it, be proud of it and embrace feeling others when you do it, you know?
Caylie:
Yes. And not only is that beneficial in our own lives, but is giving other people permission to do the same thing. And so there’s this ripple effect that happens when we start owning who we really are.
Amy:
Yes. Completely agree. Absolutely. That ownership of your life and your, your values and your beliefs and your pockets of peace, like just, you know, identifying them. And it’s a work in progress. I don’t think I’ll ever that 100% that,
Caylie:
Oh, no. Yeah. <laugh>, it’s like a daily, you know, multiple times a day type of practice, but I do think, I think that’s so important and it’s huge. Yeah. Okay. Amy, so what do you feel like makes you feel like the best version of yourself?
Amy:
I really, I, you know, if we’re talking enneagram, I’m a two wing three, but I love to take care of people as long as I know they want that, you know, and they know they want that. So I feel my best when, you know, I feel like I’ve created, you know, I love to, I love to have people over in our home at Nexus, when I’m looking around and I’m seeing everybody laughing and having fun and in a space or an event or a night that I was a part of, or I got to create, I love that. And I feel like I, myself, when I can bring in, Reid for that and, and my family can be a part of it too. His birthday, for example, he is turning 30 on Saturday. So we’re like gonna have a, a crawfish boil. He loves crawfish. So, you know, I’m, I’ve caught up some friends to do some fun things, you know, and, and just, I just love it. And it just makes me so happy that is sort of who I am, is creating these little moments and spaces and, and people feeling welcomed. And, and I love looking around the room when that happens.
Caylie:
Oh, I love it. I love that. The thing that makes you feel the most, the, like the best version of yourself is also what you get to spend your days. Yeah. I love it.
Amy:
It’s crazy. I’ll walk in that space and, you know, I’ll just look around and be like, who runs this place? This is, you know, it, you know, I have to remind myself, you know, it is a dream job. It’s not easy though. And with great work comes reward, you know, but I know, you know, being in a family business, we’re a family business and, you know, we have a lot of support. But it takes a lot of work and it’s not always easy and sometimes you don’t always do it. Right. But yeah. I love being able to see curate these spaces in these moments in our shot makes me really happy.
Caylie:
Oh, so good. Now I love that you hit on that because it’s, it is great and wonderful to do something that you love, but it also is still gonna be work. And that’s okay. I feel like a lot of times, you know, that’s something that people might be hesitant to acknowledge that even if you’re doing something that you love, there’s gonna be things in it that you don’t just love or that are difficult or that you get wrong. And that’s okay. That’s okay. We have to hold space for that.
Amy:
Yes. Yes. Do we have to hold? I love that concept of holding space. Yeah. Yeah. Cuz that’s just gonna always happen.
Caylie:
Yep. Yep. Okay. What are some of your favorite social media accounts to follow or podcasts to listen to?
Amy:
Well, I love entree leadership. That is my go to for, it has helped me a lot with team culture and team building and just business in general. And that’s the crew, Dave Ramsey crew. So entree, leadership’s a great one. I love anything with Simon Sinek. He’s a fantastic author and speaker about finding your why and staying true to your why. And he’s definitely one of those that’s helped me more with purpose. And then the third is Mark Patterson. He’s one of my favorite authors and coffee shop owners. He’s also a pastor he’s out of DC. But he’s all about going after your chasing the line going after your, your big scary idea or dream and just going for it. And so we’re all called to be line chasers as he says. And that really is what inspired me to do this, reading his book and I just closed it and I’m like, okay, all right, we’re gonna do it.
Amy:
You know, this is crazy. And that’s okay. You know, I think we all, you need a little bit of that sometimes sprinkled in. So those have like three big resources for me that have really inspired me online and, and, and different accounts. I also love on Instagram, just following other small business owners that are women. I love to follow their business page and their personal page, oftentimes their mamas or their family women and, and their, or they love to try. And, you know, they have a garden, but they also own a business and they take their kids to school and they have to cook and I love watching their lives and I’m really encouraged by them. And it really helps me so much. Just, just seeing that it’s, it’s, it’s hard and it’s amazing and it’s challenging and it’s inspired. And I I’ve really enjoyed getting to fall along with those women, especially Arkansas women.
Caylie:
Oh, I love that. I love that so much. So wonderful recommendations for our listeners there. Thank you. Thank you. And for me okay. We are into the rapid fire questions. This is a lot of fun. I start a sentence and then you finish it. Are you ready?
Amy:
I’m ready.
Caylie:
<Laugh> okay. The color I wear most often is
Amy:
Blue.
Caylie:
My favorite book is
Amy:
Go chase the line.
Caylie:
My favorite breakfast food is
Amy:
Scrambled eggs.
Caylie:
<Laugh>
Caylie:
My favorite app on my phone is
Amy:
Google calendar. <Laugh>
Caylie:
I feel that on a deep level <laugh> my favorite outfit I’ve ever worn is
Amy:
My Jean jumpsuit.
Caylie:
Mm.
Caylie:
When I was little, I wanted to be
Amy:
A veterinarian, but I called it a vegetarian. I loved animals. Still do.
Caylie:
That’s amazing
Amy:
Vegetarian. <Laugh>
Caylie:
Oh my goodness. I love it.
Caylie:
My favorite place I’ve ever been is
Amy:
Spain loved Spain.
Caylie:
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was
Amy:
Staying true to your why and, and staying true to yourselves. Yeah,
Caylie:
Mm-Hmm <affirmative> yeah.
Caylie:
My role model is
Amy:
Women just mamas and business owners and just, just women really encourage me.
Caylie:
Love it, love it.
Caylie:
I’m currently learning about
Amy:
Currently learning about design and style and, and different elements to bring into spaces.
Caylie:
Love
Caylie:
It. I love what I do because
Amy:
I love people. I love relationships and I love to see people being more alike than we are different.
Caylie:
Oh, so good. Okay. Amy, how can people connect with you online?
Amy:
Yeah. So me personally you can that follow along Amy Counce I’m on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me there. You know, always say, come see me in the shop, come see me at nexus. I’m there most days during the week, if you don’t see me message me or text me, I’d love to meet for coffee. For our business, you can follow nexus coffee, are on Facebook and Instagram. Uand we also have TikTok and reels that we do to you every Friday. So we’d love to have you join in on those each week. Ubut definitely more than anything. Ucome see me in person, come have some coffee with me. I would love that.
Caylie:
Oh, I love it. And I know that when I, I step into next us to work or hang out with a friend or whatever it is, seeing your face brightens my day, every single time. And it, it really is just a, a safe Haven for people. So you do a wonderful job just creating that culture and being, being that person in that space.
Amy:
Thank you so much. We love having you. We love having each of you and it, we really appreciate our community so much.
Caylie:
Oh, well, okay. Amy, how, is there anything else that you would like people to know as they are following along on social media?
Amy:
Yeah. you know, Nexus, we’re always up to something in our business. So stay tuned. We have some new projects for the spring and we’re hoping to in the next year have some really exciting news about potentially expanding our space downtown. We love our building and it’s historic building, and we would love to do more with it, to provide more of creative spaces for the community.
Caylie:
Very cool. Okay. My interest has been peaked. I can’t wait for that. Thank you so much. This really just brightened my whole day as it does every time I see you at nexus, but getting to really dig into this conversation together, I just loved it so much. You are so radiant and thank you so much.
Amy:
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate you doing this and, and giving people the platform to share their story
Caylie:
Absolutely. Absolutely. I hope you have an amazing day friend.
Amy:
You too.
Caylie:
Okay. Friends. I hope that you enjoyed this conversation with Amy. She is amazing. I loved getting to connect with her and I loved getting to share her with the world. If you enjoyed this episode, I think that you’ll also enjoy episode number 11, titled what it really looks like to turn a passion into a business featuring page collective. So definitely go check that out. If you haven’t already, there’s also a vault of other episodes that I think that you’ll enjoy that we have put out in the past. So have an absolutely wonderful week friends. Bye. This podcast episode was produced by the marketing and media team at Painted Tree Boutiques, special thanks to Aiden McMillan and all of the painted tree shoppers staff and vendors that make this project possible.