Cornersville High School dual enrollment office management class
Students in the dual enrollment office management class kicked off their small business project with an inspiring visit to The Cypress Cafe. Sarah Hackett, the multi-talented owner of the coffee shop, shared valuable entrepreneurial advice and also her love for cultivating community. Students learned how this pastry chef and former art teacher/culinary arts director is utilizing her various skill sets to provide scrumptious pastries, flavorful coffees, and tasty lunches.
Mrs. Hackett attempts to use as many local businesses as possible, getting some local produce from the area when possible. Customers can purchase jellies and honey from local businesses as well as Legacy Coffee from a local roaster in Columbia. Mrs. Hackett explained to the students the importance of being flexible in the business plan to allow for customer preferences, which is the reason for the expansion of the lunch menu items and catering options.
Facebook followers were also recently asked to weigh in on their favorite soups for the fall and winter season. The Cornersville students are excited about additional ventures the coffee shop plans to offer to the community next year. Having just finished the job application unit, students also benefitted from hearing Mrs. Hackett reiterate the traits that make a prospective employee stand out. Students learned first-hand how this local employer discovered her two initiative teen employees through the resume and interview process.
Adolescents readily value the tasty food options that local eateries conveniently provide. However, hearing the heartwarming stories that can happen over a cup of coffee help young adults to see how their roles in supporting local businesses continue to build and strengthen community bonds. Their favorite story was one in which two ladies hadn’t seen each other in 70 years and just happened to randomly visit The Cypress Café on the same and reunite! This reconnection of two friends as well as others meeting together for a latte and a breakfast slider visually depict the common saying “Coffee and friends are the perfect blend.” These students encourage everyone to stop by The Cypress Café and check out all that it has to offer.
