A brief look into how I got here
by Kristina Diggs, she/her
(28 year old queer widow native to Lou, Ky)
3/17/2022 I took myself on a solo 5 hour hike at the Gorge to clear my mind & process all the transitions and changes happening in my life. This is the first time in the last 10 years that I have not been employed, other than my time in rehab lol. I have been trudging through different food/customer service jobs since I was 18. I’m not sure I would be nearly as grateful or thankful to be embarking on this coffee co-op journey if I hadn’t been put through the absolute ringer for all of my adult working life; (i.e sexist/misogynistic managers, toxic overworked environments, unfair pay, unsafe working environments/conditions, blatant favoritism, you get the gist). Knowing the next time I clock in, will be for a business I co-own with the most wonderfully unique people, fills my heart with warmth and puts my body to ease. Truly makes the bullshit seem oh so worth it.
Ripping up the hardwood in the hallway!
Not only is our team wonderfully unique, we are also totally fucking badass. We have our work cut out for us to get this shop in tip-top shape but we are ever learning and adapting and we are tackling these renovations head on. Never underestimate a determined, passionate team of queers! In the last 9 days, we have learned to spackle, use a sander, paint, tear up hardwood, repair & BUILD a wall! And that’s just this past week! We are not letting any obstacle stop us from bringing a queer, sober, late night community space/coffee shop to Old Lou!
No more hardwood!!!
Personally speaking, the last 2 & 1/2 years have been a beautiful tragedy. August 2019, my partner of 6 years and I left for California. October 2019, he died. December 2019, I started back at my previous coffee shop job. March 2020, Covid was in full swing. June 2020, I was promoted to Assistant Manager. October 2020, I was promoted to store manager at another location within the company. Early December 2021, I was asked to be a part of starting up Old Louisville Coffee Co-op. February 2022 I stepped down as manager, preparing to launch our bb. March 2022, I quit my job.
The community I've built over the last 4 plus years in the coffee industry helped save my life, and I can not stress this enough. They supported and loved me while I figured out how to rebuild my entire life, and existence. They didn't care if I was queer, poor, a drug addict, lacking higher education, etc. They just wanted to see me flourish, whatever that meant to me. Building up the community of the city that raised me is what I am most focused on. I want everyone to experience the love and acceptance I have found in the coffee industry. I plan to do everything in my ability to facilitate and spread our mission to every corner of our city, and beyond. But first.. Old Lou, we are here, we're queer, and we love YOU!