This is an Q & A interview for The Kingstongirl new’s blog with Tree root Espresso on Bainbridge Island.. It was a great blessing to meet Amy the owner of Tree root. I needed a coffee & snacks to get the shopper's in the door at the Kingstongirl Craft, Food and Vendor fair in Poulsbo. It was a great treat to have her and her yummy treats and snacks not to mention her coffee and Cocoo!!
When did you become a resident in town?
I moved to Bainbridge in August of 2008. I grew up in South Kitsap. I moved back to Kitsap County after almost 20 years away in an effort to get back to my roots - so to speak - but I wanted to be within a reasonable commute to my friends and the events/culture of Seattle. I have to say, though, that I find myself going across the water less and less often. There are very few things I truly need that I don't have here on the island.
What if any is your family history in town?
None.
If you could change one thing about the town what would it be?
I'd just add more sunshine! :)
What are some of the things you love about our town?
After so many years in Seattle and L.A., I've really enjoyed being back in a community of neighbors. I love that people wave back when I wave while walking or driving down the street (I try to wave at everyone I see walking while I'm driving "Lucy", my espresso truck.). In addition, I am proud to live in a community that values sustainable living... the focus on green energy and buying local is great!
What would like to see in the future with the town and/or town?
I'd like to see a continuation of our commitment to sustainable practices in all aspects of our community. We need composting as a default in our garbage service, like the program in Seattle. Let's find more ways to use solar and other energy sources. Let's support local farms so that we know where our food is coming from - and so that the cost of producing locally comes down. While we've got a lot to be proud of, there are so many more possibilities!
What made you decided to start your own business? What are some of the ups and downs of having your own business?
I had a successful career in Human Resources, but found that I wasn't satisfied with the work anymore. I really wanted to find a way to better balance work and my life... hopefully one that allowed me to make people happy. I basically went backwards, by most standards - from a professional, corporate role to a barista. I didn't really expect to fall in love with the business, but I'm so glad I did!
There are many ups and downs to business ownership. I'm new at this, so I'm still in the honeymoon phase and I'm very happy. The one downside I can see at this point is the lack of personal time. This is in part due to the fact that when you own it, you live it. But it is also because I'm passionate about what I'm doing, which makes it easier to stay focused on my business well beyond the typical work schedule. I sometimes have to stop myself and make sure I make time for friends and socializing.
Do you have a local charity that you and your company work with?
I don't have just one that I've identified specifically at this point. Many of the events I participate in are charity events, so I have the opportunity to contribute to organizations such as Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, C.A.S.T. for Kids, Friends of the Farms and The Stephens House (through the Bainbridge Bluegrass Festival), among others. I also contribute to Helpline House whenever I can.
Do you have a family?
Not yet. My significant other lives in Australia, and we joke that Lucy the truck is our first child. I do have a super-cool niece (Kathy - 19) and her awesome brother (Johnnie - 11) as well as three four-legged kids - two cats and a pug. They warm my heart every moment!
Where do you want your business to be in the next 5 years?
Honestly, I would love to have a shop and a couple of cute trucks running around the island and north Kitsap. But I also want to be able to get away regularly, and offer employment to others who value doing great work while balancing a fulfilling personal life. I haven't quite mapped out how I'm going to make all of that happen, but I'm working on it!
What is the best thing that you have learned from owning your own business?
Well, this could be a long response. There's so much! I can say that I'm constantly reminded that there's a lot I can do when I put my mind to it and ask for support from those around me. Somehow, I find that I can do more than I thought, and I still have some left to share with those who need my support. That's not to say that I can do it all. I have to say again that I love the community I've discovered here on Bainbridge - as a new resident and business owner, I've found a remarkable network here and I really appreciate the encouragement and support from all of my neighbors!
What made you want to start and keep your business local?
Naive idealism, perhaps. I truly believe that by finding a way to bring some of the best of Bainbridge under one roof, I am providing a valued service in this community. By promoting other local businesses and products in areas outside of the downtown core, I'm helping us all to grow.
Additionally, I really believe that we need to minimize our carbon footprint wherever we can. I do this by buying local, using compostable cups and lids, offsetting my carbons and reducing the need for my customers to get in their car to get their coffee and treats. My customers see the value in this, and appreciate that they have support in their own efforts to minimize their carbon footprint.
I'm on Facebook and would love to have more "Fans": Treeroot Espresso & Edibles - Mobile Cafe
Finally, I tweet my locations, schedules, and drink/food specials, so follow me: TreerootEsprsso in addition Here is some great information for you to use
We are currently scheduled to be at the Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 8:30 am and 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. We love being there in the sunshine with all the swimmers!
Find us at the Bainbridge Business Park (7869 NE Day Road West) Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 9:30 am. On Thursdays, we're at the neighbors - Bainbridge Review, 7689 NE Day Road West - at this time.
We stop at Avalara's Headquarters next - every weekday from 10 to 11 am at 435 Ericksen Avenue NE.
Interested in having us at your worksite? We can be available between approximately10 am and 11 am or 2 pm to 4 pm. Contact us through our website for more info!
See our Schedule page on our website for upcoming events where you can count on us for your caffiene needs.
Interested in having us at your sporting event, fundraiser, reunion or other event? Contact us through our website for scheduling.
General Manager:
Amy Gaskill - Barista/Managing Partner
Price Range:
$ (0-10)
Services:
Walk-Ins Welcome
Good For Kids
Take Out
Specialties:
Coffee
