05/14/2021
The inside scoop (pun intended):
here. It's been a wild ride since we first started the Nolia Market journey. I fully admit that, as our team has been working hard behind the scenes to put the pieces together, we haven't been as outwardly communicative as you deserve. I'm sorry for that.
Here's where we're headed next:
1) We're currently investing a ton of time and resources into solidifying the infrastructure for our online store, along with dialing in the shipping/fulfillment processes from Nolia. This is the core of what it takes for us to achieve our goal of increasing revenue and awareness for these incredible Black-owned businesses.
2) After running the full coffee operation a couple of Saturdays ago, it became apparent that we don't currently have the resources (mostly trained coffee professionals) to execute that part of the business to our standard. We're continuing to develop this and will keep you posted. The good news is we DID get our espresso machine in!!!
3) We have an incredibly passionate and talented team, but between everyone's other life roles it's been tough to ensure that Nolia gets the love it deserves. On top of life-changes, pandemics, family time, etc, I'm also the full-time "Community & People Builder" at Provident1898 and I'm realizing that I was on the edge of burnout. We've been actively interviewing for a full-time Nolia Market manager and we're excited to announce that Chris Chapman has now joined our team in this role!
So what does this all mean for you?!
It means that for now, the best thing you can do is order online and pick up on Saturday between 2-6pm (because that's literally the only time I can guarantee I'm available in my crazy schedule) or to have us ship your order directly to you.
We'll be working to add more pickup hours soon for your increased convenience and building out the inside of Nolia to become a full in-person market that you can actually come into (because it feels like 'Rona is starting to chill out a bit)...
I promise to do better to keep you, our incredible community, in the loop as more concrete timelines emerge. Thank you for your grace.
WIth Love,
Justin & the Nolia team
