It’s New World Café Day. If you’re new, I owned a restaurant that opened on 12/12/12 & closed in 2015. Even though I don’t have a brick & mortar now, this day is to celebrate how far things have come.

That period of time & the years following were the lowest of the low for me. This day is a reminder to approach people with compassion. The people behind the counter, the people serving you, your co-workers or your boss may be struggling just to get through the day.

Some people told me not to open a restaurant. There’s also a lot of messaging along the lines of, “Do the thing! Start the business!” But I have an unpopular response which is… maybe pause. Ask where those dreams are coming from, & what you really want your life to feel like.

I have to be clear: I’m glad I did it. Diving in so young allowed me to get hurt, but also revealed gifts I didn’t know I had. New World Café represented the baby beginnings of self-discovery for me. New World Kitchen represents recommitting to myself. I can really say I’ve been broken down & rebuilt again working with food.

When I relaunched NWK in 2020, it was like being jolted awake after hibernating. “What am I doing? I’m supposed to be sharing food with people.” It came from my heart, not my head, which isn’t better or worse than any other way. But it is a little different, which is fitting because I’m a little different too.

I almost didn’t post anything this year, but our stories are important. They are everything. At any point you can begin to change the story, to turn your focus in a brand new direction. And while this is my livelihood, my motivation isn’t about selling you stuff. I don’t share this for praise. I share this because there are huge stories behind small businesses, but often all you see is the product or marketing.

If you need it, I’m hoping you find a little self-compassion today. You are not, & were never, living your life wrong. Things are never quite linear, but you are always important, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. I’m so glad that you’re here.

- ❤️ Madeline