Meet Jen Hackey— College Park Business Owner
I’m a coffee drinking dog lover during the day and a wine drinking, cookie baking ,doggie lover at night!
My positive attitude gets me through long days and challenging times.
I like to think that there are no mistakes in life, only lessons and my favorite personal quote is “ don’t mistake kindness for weakness “.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My grown son Bobby lives in Sausalito, Ca.. though he is in a transition after losing his job as a tech team mgr due to massive layoffs at his employer.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been in the coffee biz since the 80s. It’s my thing. I started Gratitude Coffee in 2015 after working for Barnie’s, Melitta, Java Express and Starbucks. I loved it when the Orlando Weekly referred to me as Orlando’s most beloved barista.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Shakers for breakfast and lunch, Rusteak for happy hour and dinner, Digress for relaxing with friends.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived her for almost 9 years and worked for 6.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hmmm, I have a list of faves, I’m fortunate to meet so many walks of life. 2 of my favorites are Tim McMahon,owner of the ACRE ORLANDO and Lawson Dann. They are both great guys, with wit,integrity and perseverance. My Mother referred to Tim as a “colorful character “ I nicknamed him my EF Hutton. Lawson and I have had hilarious conversations even though our backgrounds are vastly different.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Portugal… to meet my future ex husband. Just kidding. ????
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I really like This is Us and any real estate / home improvement shows!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be KIND. Be genuine. Help others but above all, guard your circle.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To work less and travel more
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Dave Matthews on Alexa at the shop, Bonnie Raitt at home
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love Rob at Digress, he’s my wine brother.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
RBG . I have so much respect for her accomplishments. I’d make her a fantastic latte at Gratitude and give her a piece of delicious banana bread.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Driving down Edgewater to work in the early dawn and seeing so many familiar faces out with their pups. It makes me happy
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Im not sure, possibly somewhere in the Carolinas.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Where the name Gratitude came from…. I’m a survivor of a toxic relationship
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sausalito, at sunset, on the back porch with my family…having wine and watching the boats bob in the bay.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Every day I wake up breathing is a really good day
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Delta, my beloved,beautiful German Shepherd girl. She is magnificent
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Delta????♥️
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh bags of coffee delivered from the local roaster and then as it brews.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cute& colorful,( my house)sweet ( Delta)
