For me, a trip to any new city begins with a search for coffee. Not a national chain, not just any drive-through on my way to a destination. A locally owned shop with a distinctive purpose is my destination.
I was not disappointed with the finds on a recent trip to visit my sister in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she introduced me to She Brews and Not Your Average Joe.
The slogan for She Brews Coffee House is “changing lives through truly transformational coffee,” with a focus on restoring women coming out of difficult life circumstances. Whether fleeing domestic violence, recovering from addiction, or reentering the community after incarceration, the baristas at She Brews all have a story – and they’re willing to share it.
Founder Rhonda Bear, previously incarcerated herself, wanted to help address recidivism, and did so by helping other women the way others had invested in her. She also directs a faith-based residential transition program. Both operations aim to help women “gain responsibility, leadership, trustworthiness and social skills,” according to the website.
On our visit at the Tulsa location, the manager stopped by the couch we were enjoying our treats and started up a lively conversation. The store boasts that its servers are eager to share their personal stories, so we asked Lorinda for hers. She shared it, then said, “But I came over here to ask if I could pray for y’all,” and she did, in the characteristic style one might expect of a passionate Black woman of faith. The shop hosts worship and open-mic weekly.
She Brews served up some tasty chocolate protein balls and I enjoyed an iced “dirty elf” latte with pure maple, both of which were presented on a beautiful wooden round.
Not Your Average Joe started in Oklahoma City and now has locations in Norman and Broken Arrow. “Exceptional coffee, even better people” is the slogan for a shop that employs, inspires and supports people with intellectual disabilities. The cafes employ individuals who are neurodivergent to make your coffee drink or to decorate your coffee cup with art.
On my visit to Not Your Average Joe, Eric, the manager, took time to share with me at length about the business. During our discussion, his son, Schuyler, who has autism, excitedly shared with us the songs he was looking up on Shazam. His enthusiasm for good ole 80s tunes was contagious.
The coffee? Eric was kind enough to brew an espresso of the house blend before I bought a bag to bring home and then tempted me with a delicious caramel latte.
Weeks after returning home, I continued to enjoy the beans from both Not Your Average Joe and She Brews. And each morning, I was humbled by and grateful for the amazing humans who roast good coffee and blend it with meaningful service to people who may benefit from an extra shot of grace. (Isn’t that all of us?)
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