This IS my first rodeo...

​I love hearing and using the phrase, "This isn't my first rodeo." Probably because pretty much my entire life has consisted of the sport of rodeo. I grew up around horses and could ride before I could even walk. When I was a young kid, I ran barrels and poles on some great horses. I then traveled all over the country while I was in high school as a member of the Old Fort Days Dandies. In college, I was on the rodeo team at OSU. And even though I'm not nearly as active in riding anymore, I am very much involved in the sport since my husband is a PRCA bull fighter. My family was also a producer of the Haraway Stampede & Wild West Show for 27 years. Judd (my husband) and I have a HUGE passion to produce that rodeo again and bring it back to life. Hopefully that will happen again in the very near future. Needless to say, rodeo has pretty much been a significant part of my life.  

​However, this part of my life is something that I am completely new to. Unlike rodeo, I don't know everything there is to know when it comes to coffee. Or how to run a small business. Or even write a blog for that matter. I literally just got done googling, "How to write a blog." So, if this isn't "right" or not a typical blog post that you're used to reading, I apologize in advance. 

One thing I do know, that I have discovered about myself in the last few years is that I am always up for change and learning new skills. In March of 2017, I randomly decided that I wanted to open a coffee shop. I guess it was always just one of those cute little dreams of mine that I never thought would actually happen. (Kind of like becoming a famous singer, or winning a million dollars). From what I can remember, I hadn't even made a pot of coffee before that. Heck, I hardly ever even drank coffee for that matter. All I knew at the time was that owning a coffee shop was something that I knew I could learn how to do and that I would love doing. Plus-- I loved mochas so what better way to get free mochas all the time than owning and making your own. (Kind of joking, kind of not). 

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 So, I immediately started researching everything I thought  I needed to know about owning a coffee shop. I called friends of mine in the industry, started visiting some well known (and highly successful) coffee shops and roasters in the local area, and started doing some taste tests. In September 2017, with the help of the awesome staff at Topeca Coffee, I opened the doors to Oasis Coffee House with the confidence that I could serve an entire basic coffee shop menu to the customers that came in my door.

Since then, I have significantly improved my barista skills, learned new tricks of the trade, AND opened my second shop in downtown Sallisaw, OK. My number one goal as the owner and operator of Oasis Coffee House is to give my customers the best experience I possibly can while they are in my shop. The coffee, the atmosphere, the customer service, the employees, and the entire experience should be like nothing you have ever had before. 

Another thing I have decided to completely embrace is the #bossbabe movement. I absolutely LOVE owning my own business. Sure it's hard at times with finances and always trying to keep up with newest trends, but there is so much reward to being a small business owner. I think my number one reason is because I "get to" go to work everyday (not "have to"). I can't even begin to explain how great of a feeling that is. Another great aspect is the flexibility. As much as I love being in my shops, there are times that I do love to travel with my husband. It is so comforting knowing that I have some great employees and friends that I can completely trust with my business while I am on vacation or at a rodeo with Judd. 

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So I guess the whole point of this first blog is to encourage all of my readers to really do what makes you happy. Even if it does seem a little far-fetched at the time. There is so much to learn and so much do in this short time that we have here on earth, and what is the point of any of it if we aren't happy with our lives? Learn, discover, and do. 

Seriously, if I can do it then there is absolutely no reason that you can't. 

And while you're on your journey, please be sure to come in and try out some Oasis Coffee House coffee. I can't wait to meet you! 

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#shopsipsavor