This year was one for the books! As the COVID pandemic stretched on through the spring and summer, the impact on the islands’ small businesses was undeniable. Even grabbing a cup of coffee was a challenge.

We checked in with Julia Rogers of Isabel’s Espresso on Lopez to see how her small business managed.

Q. With the pandemic wrecking havoc on the islands’ business communities, how have you managed?

It’s been challenging, especially in those first few months. It was dark and scary and it was hard not to freak out. Still, limited as we were, a number of very regular customers came every single day like it was a vigil. They were grateful for Isabel’s offering some sanity in the craziness, and I was (am) endlessly grateful to them.

It took a while, but I did ultimately get a PPP Loan which helped keep staff on and eased the financial burden while we adjusted. The summer was not the crazy busy season it normally is, but we were glad for that too. We could feel safe and actually manage the business a bit better than “normal” seasons.

Q. What’s been the hardest part of retailing during the pandemic?

It’s been stressful trying to keep everyone safe: staff, customers, me. It’s difficult to show some personality through the layers of masking, plexiglass and distance. “Yes” is our tag line, and right now there is a lot of “No”. People have been great. They’ve shown grace and patience through all of it.

Q. Any pleasant surprises from the experience?

This challenge has exposed the people in my community as truly good. It makes my heart ache with gratitude from how much love and support I’ve felt through this time.

Q. You’ve now owned Isabel’s for eight years; still love it as much as you did when you started?

Yes! I’m endlessly challenged by this business, and I love it.

Q. Is there a particularly valuable lesson you’ve learned in those eight years?

The most important lesson is to ask for help. The second is to accept it! I cannot make this business work without the people who support me … my staff and my community. I know they have my back, and that feels really good.

Q. Do you see any surprising future trends to the business of coffee?

I’m not sure it’s surprising, but Covid-19 has moved many to be more proficient in their home set up. We’ve sold a lot of AeroPress, grinders and pour-over set ups.

Q. What do you like the best about your job/avocation?

I like the daily dose of small interactions with a variety of people, from staff to customers. It is fulfilling. Additionally, I really love to make coffee! Every single one. The job is never boring.

Q. What’s the most outrageous caffeinated concoction you’ve made? Was it good? Would you do it again?

The Espressoda is now on the menu! It’s a bubbly espresso beverage. It is so refreshing in the summer; it’s kind of like a grown up Italian Soda. It is delicious!

Q. What’s your favorite caffeine combo?

We call it “The Speedball No.10”: Mayan chocolate, espresso, a little steamed milk with a couple shakes of our special spicy powder. Short, Spicy, Intense. Yum! Day to day I drink straight shots or drip black.

Q. What’s the trick to making really good coffee?

Curiosity. I’ve been making coffee (professionally) for 17 years, but I still have lots to learn. I love coffee.

Q. Who creates the wording for the small clever ads that appear in the Islands’ Weekly?

Ha! In the beginning three good friends and I sat down to brainstorm about Isabel’s; It was wrapped up in the logo, the brand, my mission. I would have an idea of the problems that Isabel’s solves; Lynne Keeley was the wordsmith, Karla Lillestol did the design, and Nancy Greene was the field tester. Usually there was wine. Always there was lots of laughter. The really interesting ones we had to reject. Now I shoot Karla my idea, and she turns it into something that looks good.

Q. If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Everything else! Well, it depends on if the question is professional or personal. I love to fly fish, camp and see live music. I want to do more of that next year (when I finish building my house!).

Professionally I have no idea, but I’m sure I could come up with something. I definitely won’t be stuck behind a desk endlessly. I like having paperwork as part of my business but not all of it. I’m good at systems. I could use my experiences to help shops find a more efficient flow.