Baking, Brewing, and Building Community
A Conversation with Melanie David of Whisk It All
Last month, we celebrated Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions women have made to our nation's history and culture. It was a moment to acknowledge, uplift, and empower women from all walks of life. At 813 Coffee Co, we remain dedicated to supporting and uplifting women in our communities. This month, we are thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with Melanie Davis—a devoted mother, loving wife, and skilled baker—who proudly co-owns Whisk It All Cafe & Bakery with her husband.
What was the dream / vision that you had that led you to open up your cafe?
It all began when I was a stay-at-home mom, and my son had a bake sale at school. I was the only mom who brought store-bought cookies, and they stood out—unmistakably dusty among the beautiful, homemade treats. I felt embarrassed and disappointed, but more than that, I was determined to do better. That Christmas, my husband, Andres, gifted me a KitchenAid mixer, and that’s when everything changed. I challenged myself to bake my family’s birthday cakes each year. The first few were rough, and some might have been inedible, but I kept at it. Fast forward a few years, and here we are today. We believe there’s something magical that happens when people gather around a table with delicious food, great drinks, and even better conversations. We wanted to create an experience—something personal—where the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods straight from the oven makes you feel right at home. It’s not just a business we are building; it’s a place that feels like a second home to everyone who walks through our doors.
What has brought you the most joy this past year of operating your business?
The greatest joy has undoubtedly come from the connections we have made and the relationships we have built with the people who walk through our doors. We love seeing familiar faces return, watching the cafe become a part of their daily routine or special moments. This has been the most meaningful part of our journey. There is something deeply rewarding about watching someone take a bite of a cookie we baked or a sip of our coffee and light up with happiness. It is those small, authentic moments and the sense of community we have cultivated—knowing that something we created from the ground up is bringing joy to others—that’s what truly matters. That’s what brings us pure joy.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
As a business owner, mom, and wife, wearing all the hats has been the most challenging part. You are not just the owner—you are also the marketer, bookkeeper, part-time barista, baker, secretary, janitor, customer service rep, and the list goes on. And then, after clocking out from that job, you go home to your next role—being there for the little faces who need you most. Finding a work-life balance has definitely been the toughest part. Add to that the financial pressures of getting the business off the ground, managing cash flow, preparing for unexpected costs, and working to build and maintain a loyal customer base—it’s challenging, to put it mildly. But despite all these hurdles, the passion behind what we are doing is what keeps us moving forward. Knowing that we are building something meaningful for our family and community makes all the challenges worth it.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in opening up the cafe?
Expect the unexpected—flexibility and resilience are key. No matter how carefully you plan, things will inevitably go awry—equipment will break, foot traffic will dip, and plans will fall through. The key is being ready to pivot without losing sight of your core vision. I have also learned just how essential it is to truly connect with your community. People will come for the coffee and baked goods, but they will keep coming back because they feel seen and valued. Building strong relationships and staying adaptable have been the most important lessons we have learned, and it is what keeps us moving forward.
What advice would you give to the version of yourself before you opened the cafe?
RUN! Just kidding. If I could go back, I would tell myself to be patient and trust the process. Things will not happen overnight, and that is perfectly okay. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—even the ones you think are silly, and then ask again just to be sure. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; you don’t have to do it all on your own. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remember that mistakes are just part of the learning journey, not failures. And most importantly, celebrate the small wins—they will add up and remind you why you started in the first place. The dream is free, but the hustle? That’s a separate cost.
Stepping Forward
As we step forward into a new season, we are inspired by the strength and resilience of women like Melanie, who are making a meaningful impact in their families and communities. At 813 Coffee Co, we are grateful for the opportunity to uplift and celebrate women every day. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for making a difference!
