Every Day is different
Sounds of phones ringing... the aromatic richness of made in Ghana coffee, sights of freshly made smoothies with ice cream swirl on top that consistently wows clients…
That’s a typical morning at Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino. The busyness of the café is normal for front staff workers and the kitchen staff but for the administrative office, aka the BTS office, operations are not always as evident. Every day is different: It is the single prominent thing I’ve learnt at Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino in my six year working experience. A typical day for me involves developing operational templates, managing Human Resource, strategizing with our company Director and assisting my boss lady with creative projects which occasionally come up on the premises. I enjoy projects that involve the space, planning around events and exploring possible opportunities that can thrive in the space. It keeps the creative energy running, which for me is necessary especially when I get stuck in the rut of figuring out numbers. It is said that creativity is intelligence having fun; truthfully, sometimes I forget to have fun and that stunts the creative flow. Opportunities that come up within this space bring me back on the beautiful creative path of exploring and executing ideas… There is an aspect of Human Resource Management I have come to appreciate even though I would carefully say that I’m still figuring out: I think it is the opportunity to understand how others think and the capacity to relate with all levels of staff. It keeps you open minded, humble and teaches you a lot of patience.
I’ve experienced days where my to do list seemed non –existent, because the restaurant was so busy that no client would want to see an employee behind a desk working with templates.
Priorities! I’ve learnt that it matters a lot in this industry. On such days, I would be at the take- away section assisting with calls coming through, helping to package the meals and occasionally helping at the kitchen (the kitchen staff find this interesting all the time). Frankly, I learnt it from my boss lady. No task is beyond you in this industry – or else it ceases to be service. It is more of giving of yourself than making yourself known. On one of those busy days, as I helped pack the sandwiches in a tray for a corporate order, Aunty Peace, our Kitchen Supervisor, stood behind me, giggling at how I struggled to make them look presentable. I turned and we both had a good laugh; silently agreeing to the saying that everybody has their unique gift in life…
I guess the beauty in everyday at Cuppa is the uniqueness with which it comes. Every day is truly different and I’ve learnt to find beauty even in the mundane. Even the obstacles are uniquely designed to teach you something. I’ve concluded that I’ve been more of a student than a manager these past six years. As I walk through the doors each morning, I’ll remind myself to breathe in, not just the warm coffee, but the fragrance of grace that comes with facing a whole new day.
- Abi
