Hey friend,

I am really loving our newest space to practice community; Finding Common Ground. I co-facilitated our first virtual women’s circle last month and it felt so incredible to show up in such an authentic, open way. To be able to continue to expand our community of women in the ways that genuinely matter to me and my own evolution is one of the biggest gifts this business has brought to my life. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities to connect with incredible women, including this month’s guest facilitator for our circle, Kimberly Fabrizio.

Kimberly is a mom, entrepreneur, community leader, and all-around powerhouse. Her story is exactly what happens when you show up fully, embrace the unknown, and nurture the people around you. We asked her a few questions about her work, her family, and what’s lighting her fire right now. Her answers? Pure gold.

Creating Community, One Cup at a Time

When I asked Kimberly what creating community through Merchant Coffee means to her, her response was full of heart:

"It looks and feels like warm greetings, genuine smiles, compassion, connection, and a positive experience for everyone who gathers here. Our goal was to build a space where people from all walks of life could meet, work, play, and relax. It’s about a better future for my children, their peers, and the town I love."

Kimberly isn’t just talking about coffee: it’s about real human connection. It’s the small moments, the genuine smiles, and the relationships that grow organically. That’s the kind of community we all crave, right?

Resilience, the Real Way

Expanding into food service during COVID? Yeah, that could have been terrifying. But Kimberly saw it differently:

"After months of isolation, people were longing for normal. Opening Merchant Coffee gave them that little piece of joy. Resilience, I’ve learned, isn’t about avoiding uncertainty. It’s staying on the ride, no matter how wild the twists and turns. That’s how growth happens."

If a global pandemic taught us anything, maybe it’s that resilience isn’t a buzzword. It’s showing up, again and again, even when you don’t have all the answers and your world feels confusing. Kimberly’s rollercoaster has taught her that sticking it out is where, and when, the magic happens.

Stepping Boldly Into New Chapters

Kimberly is stepping into a fresh season as a podcaster and let me tell you, her excitement is contagious:

"I’m finally following my inner calling, an irresistible force I’ve felt for years. I want this podcast to spark hope, healing, and conversation for others. Full disclosure: I’m terrified."

She’s showing us all that courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s deciding to move forward anyway, even if we’re afraid. And that’s exactly the energy we’re celebrating in this month’s circle. Using your voice in a way that could be misunderstood can feel absolutely crippling. And also, what an opportunity to push against the inner (and sometimes outer) dialogue telling us to stay silent?

Honest Conversations About Family

Her podcast, After School Snacks, digs into the real stuff: co-parenting, family, and the messy, beautiful journey of raising kids:

"Parenting is hard. Divorce and single parenting add layers of complexity. Open dialogue sparks curiosity, and curiosity kills judgment. Support circles and honest conversations inject hope and healing into our lives, shaping a healthier future for our children."

This is the exact kind of honest conversation we’ll nurture in this month’s circle. Vulnerability ignites growth, judgment has no seat at the table, and connection is everything because being seen holds so much power.

Advice for Women Craving Connection

Kimberly has some golden advice for anyone who’s craving deeper, more meaningful connections with other women:

"Do what it takes to get comfortable in your own skin. Love yourself. Honor yourself. Then reach out to the women around you. Someone is always waiting to be invited in, to hear ‘I see you. I want to know you deeper.’ Step out anyway. Fear of rejection is real, but connection is worth it."

Start with yourself. Step into your own power. And then, reach out. Laugh together, cry together, and make room for those life-changing connections.

That’s exactly what Finding Common Ground is all about.

Join Us in October

I’d love for you to join us in our October Finding Common Ground women’s circle on Tuesday, October 21 at 9 am PST. This month, Kimberly will co-facilitate alongside me around our intention: Finding Your Authentic Voice. And yes, she’s even sharing her signature Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew coffee recipe! Because honestly, what’s better than connection with a side of caffeine? Click here to grab the recipe and register at no cost.