Inspiring Conversations with Tara Mitchner of The Alchemy Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Mitchner.

Hi Tara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
By trade, I am a nurse. I started my career as a medical assistant, then LPN, and became an RN in 2008. I started seeking higher education after having my son as a teenager and wanting to provide a satisfactory life for myself and my son, Christian. I am very thankful for my career as a nurse and have seen and done amazing things. However, as my children got older, I realized that I wanted to afford them the opportunities to see a different path, than just the traditional 9-5.

I began to research different business ideas… from a tow truck company to a hair store. In 2018, I came across an ad for a juice cafe franchise. I thought it was ideal for myself and my kids, went well with my nursing career; helping others with healthy choices. The cafe was also something I knew I could do alongside, my children. We opened our cafe in June of 2020, in the middle of COVID. The Alchemy Cafe serves up fresh juice, smoothies, custom salads, and sandwiches.

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?
It has not been a smooth road, we have been bumping along on the unpaved roads of entrepreneurship. Our initial struggle was getting open… right in the middle of the storm named COVID.

Our first year in business was marked by much uncertainty for everyone and was a year of just keeping the doors open. Then we were met with an unsatisfactory franchise relationship, which caused us to close our doors for several months while sorting out the legalities of getting out of the franchise. So we were able to rebrand, and get back open…. but it was basically starting all over again, with getting the name Alchemy Cafe out to the community. We have had so many lessons along the way, some eye-opening, some painful… yet all part of the journey.

We’ve been impressed with The Alchemy Cafe, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Alchemy cafe specializes in creating fresh, healthy, and tasty items for the community. Alchemy is known for making items fresh to order…. with the secret ingredient being LOVE!

I think one thing that I’m most proud of, we have not given up, through all the trials, we still keep pushing, I believe in our new brand and am hoping and striving to be the best in the market. I want everyone to know that we genuinely and greatly appreciate any and all support, from words of advice to support on social media… it all helps!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
After opening and maintaining a business through COVID, one important lesson I learned was we have to keep our mental health at the forefront at all times. It’s important to protect our peace and mental health as much as possible.

I also learned or was reminded that while everyone’s situation is different….. I am truly resilient.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: m.Facebook.com/people/Alchemy-Cafe100083559151304/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thealchemycafe?r=nametag