Life’s blessings come in many forms and I have truly been blessed with interesting and challenging life adventures during my lifetime. I started my career as a Paralegal and eventually started my own consulting business handling real estate, project management, renovating and restoration, and the buildout of a farm brewery. A few years ago I started Stage Line Coffee Roasters here in New Market with my partner, Clayton Blank, so that I could start of the process of sourcing the best coffee possible. In all honesty, opening 5 West Cafe has been the most rewarding and heart warming experience that I have had so far, it has brought me such comfort and healing. When you are able to provide a safe space for others to gather and you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day, either with a good cup of coffee or simply a smile, it is life altering. The community of New Market is a very special place and the people are all very kind and supportive, it is an honor to be a part of their lives and this community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Sadly, I lost my wonderful husband a year a half ago. Thankfully, I have two sisters and a brother all in the area or close by, and some magnificent supportive and loving friendships. I am definitely an animal lover and have a basset hound, Boogie, who visits our customers occasionally on the cafe patio, as well as a horse and a few cats.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My passion is envisioning new concepts and ideas and watching them be born into existence. Small businesses are the foundation of our country and I hope that they continue to exist and thrive so that community can be a part of all small towns. We all need others in our lives and the act of friendship and kindness is something we can all share with one another.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
4 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Pastor Scott, New Market United Methodist Church, he keeps us laughing
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always follow your heart and walk through your fears, in the end your lessons will make you stronger and wiser.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sky Diving
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I really enjoy the different architecture and the history of New Market, there is so much to learn about each of the buildings and the stories that they hold within them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Involved in rescuing horses
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I owned and operated a nail salon behind my husband’s barbershop
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grottos
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November, Christmas, the first day of Spring when everything is reborn and rejuvenated
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Allowing yourself the space and time to reconnect with yourself – along with a hot cup of coffee
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
My late husband Walter Mills, he was my mentor, my best friend and the greatest teacher in my life. I miss him every day but the strength and fortitude I learned from him continues to motivate me every day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, security, peace
