10/12/2026
I would like to get something off my chest.. As I hear it all owning a coffee shop you know…
First of all business creates business. I know that’s hard to understand but I truly understand this concept. If you look back 5 whole years ago you will notice my first ever hashtag was community not competition. If anyone is against another business, you are against Hillsboro since we are rooted in small businesses. We take great pride here in Hillsboro on how we make big life happen by simply owning our passion, our small businesses. As industries have collapsed small businesses have picked up the pieces. I give the upmost respect to anyone in small business. You took a chance in an unsure world. Risking it all. From the students to all things supporting community there’s no one more active and supportive. I have had the honor of other coffee shops reaching out to me wanting advice. Helping with blueprints. Training their employees!! And I’m about to do it again for another town. This is community. I call it coffee community. I treat others the way I want to be treated. When I was starting Greenville was so kind and helped answer so many questions. I was never shunned. I simply returned the favor when others reached out and will continue to do so.
A fellow business in Hillsboro said words I’ll never forget days before opening “Welcome to the biz kid, you better get thick skin.” I was so upset about it at the time but now giggle and say that was the realest thing anyone had ever said to me..
I’m proud of what I built. I’ve worked very hard to be standing here. Building a small business during COVID, nuts right? Fun fact when I started I had no money left for cups and lids!! I’ve done this all on my own. It’s me vs me!!! Yes my husband is by my side and I know he won’t ever allow me to fail but this is me, a women owned business. 100% funded off of very hard work. Everyday it’s me vs me! I wanted to prove my IEP wrong. I wanted to grind. I wanted to show my kids an honest living. Mommy did that!! I’m so passionate about coffee and know a lot about coffee and the industry because I’m completely obsessed! But if you truly know me, I’m completely obsessed with my community!! I wanted to a small piece of Hillsboro. I wanted to be a safe place for all. The amount of prayer alone that has happened through my window. “When one or two gather in my name, I am there” I can read people through their eyes. I know my customers, I know my people. If I can be one moment of light in someone’s life then my job is done.
I’m proud of what I’ve built. I wanted inner city to meet our cornfields. I wanted Hillsboro to be able to enjoy city treats at HOME!!
Before anyone knew what a 7 Brew or Dutch Bros was. It was Ground to Grounds!! I remember people poking at me like what the heck is a dirty soda, dirty Alani or Italian Red Bull? Amazing right? I did that and gonna do more! Push forward, rebuild!!
I’m grateful my brain adapts quickly. I forgive easily and want the very best for all. Just be yourself.
QUALITY is why you choose GTG.. Life is so expensive. I’ve never had to sell my drinks. My drinks sell themselves. You know when you choose GTG you are choosing quality. No one in the state of Illinois has what we have. That’s what you taste. Every drink you’ve ever had from here my hand has been on it! I have been working open to close for 4 years straight! My girls were trained for 5-6 months before they were ever set free on Nelly (our espresso machine) being a barista is great responsibility. In a world of free will and choices. You know what you are getting at GTG!! It hits every. single. time. This is why we are known for the little coffee shop that stops traffic! Picked from the farm GROUND processed into your coffee GROUNDS. Lots of love goes into your cup!
Our biggest flex is hearing people say “I travel all over.” “I have traveled X amount of miles.” “I can’t find anything close to your shop!!”
God is good!! 🙏
This was first a passion then softly heard the calling. Pick me, choose me. Be the change, be the light!! Standing on blessed ground!! 
We would be nothing without our customers, just a dream. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. So grateful to have a spot here on South Main Street. So grateful to have the knowledge and ability to serve you. Thank you for another morning!!
Hold your head high and do something kind today coffee fam!!
Got to go make coffee..
-love you, bye.
