Rise and shine, have you had your coffee yet? Well if you haven’t this post is sure to make you wanna swing over to another little local gem. Southern Grounds is a news coffee shop here in in St. Cloud and let me tell you I am obsessed…after reading about this boss babe you will be to! I meet Kristen through Emilee. Soon after I meet her she was engaged and getting married. Let me tell you the Lanier’s plan weddings fast. She new exactly what she wanted and I am not going to lie when I sat down to meet with her I was intimidated. But she choose me as her wedding photographer…and through the processes I got to know her really well. I know going in to it that she was a schedule kind of girl, she had a vision and that was that. But I also learned how sweet and fun she is. How much she loved her family and how in love with Chris she was. That wedding was a breeze, and watching Kristen dance all night was the best! Since then we’ve grown a friendship she supports my business and I support her….I mean her coffee is to die for! Kristen is not only managing a new business but she has a new sweet little baby boy and I am not lying when I say she looks great ALL of the time not just in these photos! To be honest I don’t know how she’s doing it…I was a hot mess when I had Easton.
“My name is Kristen Lanier, I am the owner of Southern Grounds Craft Coffee Shop in Downtown St. Cloud but prior to being a coffee shop owner, I worked as a Orthopedic and Dermatology Medical Assistant and X-ray Technician for 8 years. I am from Fort Myers, Florida, another small town much like St. Cloud . My husband, Chris and I come from families that own and operate small businesses, so I was very excited to join in that with my coffee shop when my sister in law decided to expand her hair salon.”
I love that they all own and operate their own business. The Lanier’s are pretty great! But Kristen’s mom is also super talented. You can catch a glimpse of her art work hanging around the shop at southern grounds. I love it all and want to hang it all in my house.
Southern grounds has only been open a few months but it’s a pretty popular place, and known around the town. Try the Keke it’s my fav!
“My husband and I began this journey about a year ago, we had a passion for coffee and the culture it brings, so when Emilee, my sister in law and owner of Salon Emvy came to me about this salon/ coffee shop collaboration, I was ecstatic.”
I asked Kristen her favorite thing about the industry she is in….coffee duh…but her answer made me appreciate her shop so much more!
“My favorite thing about the coffee industry would have to brings the diversity it brings. Even if you don’t like coffee it still can bring people together to socialize, get work done or relax in the environment. That’s my hope for our shop is to bring people together in a natural, relaxing atmosphere over good craft coffee that Chris and I created alongside our roaster, Split Oak Coffee Roasters.”
This is so true I have gone in the to work and for a meeting and I always catch myself socializing with her, Emilee, Cassey and everyone that comes through the door. Its warm and inviting and just a fun place. It’s a great place to catch up, meet a client, or just go for some alone time.
I always loving hearing the quotes people choose. Every quote has brought motivation, encouragement and something different to my life to think about.
From Kristen: “A quote that I would say I now live by is “ in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take”. Having never worked in this industry I was going in blind so to speak , with little knowledge but a lot of love and passion for the coffee culture and community. Now the amount I know would overwhelm someone in conversation. I am so happy we trusted in God and took this chance, I love coming to the shop every day and talking and meeting new people.”
GIRL this is so true!! I love that you took the risk, and the chance! I can’t wait to watch Southern Grounds grow and run the coffee scene in St. Cloud! I am also pretty thankful you opened up down the road from me…HAHA!
What motivates you….is what keeps you going I love Kristen’s response to me “As new as the coffee shop is so is another new little piece of motivation that depends on me 24/7. My son Connor is 3 months old and he pretty much has been here since day one. I hope that as he gets older he learns responsibility and where hard work and kindness can take you.” I know you and I know Chris and I know Conner is going to be a great kid who grows up with a strong work ethic knowing both of your families. It is in his blood!
ALSO I just want to say it one more time….she has a 3 month year old guys!!! 3 months!! She is killing it! I love coffee and I love Kristen and together those two can take over the world…no but really! Kristin is a BOSS. I am so thankful I got to capture her big day and I am now blessed to share her new success. If you haven’t been there…don’t take my word…go find out for yourself! Keep killing it day by day Kristen you and your coffee shop are the perfect new addition to our town! I love everything you have to offer and I can’t wait to see how far you go!
If you liked what you read, please do three things 1 - Like it 2 - Like my page, Tihler Shay Photography and Southern Grounds 3 - Share it for a friend to read. When women empower and support other women, we are unstoppable! #TihlerShayPhotogrpahy #BossBabes #WorkingWomen #BossWoman#womencrushingonWomen #WCW TihlerShayPhotogrpahy.com Kristen Lanier
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