08/21/2026
You may have already heard from me or seen on social media that Lilly Rose Café will be closing its doors at the end of September. But this is not the end for this special place.
A new generation of young female entrepreneurs will be taking the keys and bringing a fresh vision — creating a place that is more than just a coffee shop. A place where everyone feels welcome, included, and where opportunities can be created for people in our community that may not have existed before.
Sometimes there is a plan unfolding for us that we don’t even know exists yet.
In 2021, my son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Along the way, I met an occupational therapist who treated him with kindness, respect, and dignity and was one of the very first people to help him begin his journey. We have remained with that agency for many years, and over time, I’ve built meaningful relationships with her and so many others there.
About a year ago, she and another amazing young woman started a nonprofit called Okie Dokie Café with a beautiful mission: to create an inclusive workplace where adults with disabilities could have meaningful employment and opportunities within our community.
I purchased Lilly Rose Café in March and opened the doors in April. I can confidently say that the café has become what I hoped it would be — a place to gather, connect, feel comfortable, and find a sense of community.
But life is never predictable. My son’s medical needs have increasingly become a priority, and having more than one business has made me realize that sometimes, I simply can’t do it all.
Maybe my role in this world isn’t always to hold onto something. Maybe sometimes it’s to help someone else achieve their vision.
And I truly believe this is one of those moments.
There is so much more to share about what’s coming, but for now, I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Okie Dokie Café Co as they begin taking the steps to bring their dream to life.
