This Writer’s Wallet

pipe dreams and coffee shops

So over the holiday weekend, I spent some time in a quaint little tourist town, popping in and out of shops and bundled up with a scarf and mittens. One of the stores I visited, a coffee/tea shop with all designer plates, gourmet goods, fancy aprons, name-brand everything, drew me in with the smell of brewing coffee and charming European decor.

I kind of wanted to live in that little shop. Smelling fresh brew, meeting new people, surrounded by beautiful things. It would be a nice life, I romantically thought to myself. I could see myself doing this.

Then, almost as soon as the daydream came, I started thinking money.

Even in a town that makes its bread and butter on tourism (though not as much in winter), I was really surprised to know this coffee house could exist. It was filled with nice things, but nothing I’d buy—too expensive! Also, I know I could buy most of that name-brand stuff online… it’s not like it’s particular to the town or region. So I really wonder how it survives.

I researched the place online and learned it’s actually been in existence since the 80s. I don’t know if it’s always carried the same things or always been a coffee/gift shop, but still. That’s some longevity.

So somehow, the shop owners must be either (a) making enough income each year to profit on what they pay for the goods/rent/wages or (b) this shop is a hobby for people who have money from another source.

Why is this on my mind? I guess because it was the kind of place I’d always dream of opening, but would never jump into because it doesn’t seem like a sure thing. Kind of like running a bakery. Or freelancing writing. Or opening a restaurant. All good ideas, all possibly profitable for some people… but longshots. Hard to do. Need passion, commitment. Very likely to fail in terms of income.

Yet. Judging from one coffee shop, it all seemed possible.