7 Comments

"exploring ways to live better through the vehicle of a coffee shop is more aligned with my values and piques my curiosity more at this point in time than exploring ways to live better through software does."

Absolutely love this perspective!

I came here from your Instagram reel about you wanting to build this dream of a coffee shop. Aand although I have no interest in coffee shops or even coffee, I was compelled to come here and read this beautiful article. Thank you for sharing your story. It's inspirational and your perspective is so refreshing. My pipedream is to have a farm to table cafe on my small farm that I just bought 2yrs ago. In these 2yrs I got diagnosed with an autoimmune condition so everyday has been a challenge, but your story has given some shape to my illegible thoughts. Yes, I wanna live better through my farm, I wanna live better through my little health food cafe, yes I deserve to give it a try even though I know the odds are against me. Thank you for this. I'm excited for you!

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Thank you so much for the kind words!

I think implementing a better lifestyle via nutrition, exercise, and sleep has a lot of potential to help with chronic conditions.

I pulled myself out of some really bad insomnia and anxiety a few years ago when the odds were stacked against me, and I'm sure you can too! Sending strength your way :)

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This is amazing Neel ! I am sure you will enjoy the process and make it a success along the way. Best wishes always. Can't wait to visit one day !

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Love! Looking forward to seeing what you make -- would love to stop by : )

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So glad I stumbled upon this! As a bev lover and former drip coffee barista, starting a tea shop has also been a pipe dream of mine, and I loved your (beautifully written!) piece. Your careful attention to little details of different experiences and connection to hygge and childlook wonder was a joy to read — and a reminder of what’s really meaningful in life… amidst terrifying (& existential dread inducing) junior year recruiting times, this was inspiring!

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Thank you so much! Maybe you can help me figure out the tea side of things when the time comes haha

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Hello,

My name is Lochana Bolisetty, and I’m a graduate student pursuing interior design, with an undergraduate degree in architecture from India. Reading through your essay was both inspiring and deeply resonant. Your vision of creating a space that embodies beauty, attention, and connection is incredibly powerful, especially in its focus on cultivating presence and aliveness.

As someone who is passionate about designing spaces that foster emotional and social experiences, I am genuinely captivated by the thoughtfulness and purpose driving your idea. Your journey aligns with my own search for a meaningful project that connects people to themselves and their environment.

I would love to be a part of this journey in any way I can. Whether it’s contributing design ideas, helping plan the space, or brainstorming ways to evoke the feelings of warmth and connection you describe, I’d be thrilled to collaborate. Your approach to crafting a lifestyle through a coffee shop is not just inspiring but also something I would be deeply honored to help bring to life.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Warm regards,

Lochana Bolisetty

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