We opened with a clear vision - to host workshops, courses, meet-up's and parties, to nourish our customers with delicious food, locally roasted coffee, organic smoothies and milkshakes.
The universe had a different path for us and 3 months after opening the big C-word hit!
But we survived, limped our way through those dark years, went on all the learning curves that were thrown to us, built our community through treasure hunts, socially distant lunches and homeschool hero biscuits. When schools closed and school meals weren't available we drove round our town delivering homecooked meals to those who needed it.
We evolved. But times have been tough and last year we thought the end was there. Honestly, I didn't think I could continue with the struggle.
But 12 months down the line and I, somehow, did. The passion for our little haven is still there, the desire to create a community destination still strong but for us to get back to that opening vision we need a little help.
As a red head who hates asking for help I didn't want people to just help out for nothing so thought a reward based crowdfunder was the best win-win situation.
We'll use the money to take us back to that early day vision, crochet classes, children's parties, messy-play Monday's, holiday hunts, monthly SEN meet-up's, workshops and summer picnics. We'll give our little haven a much needed spruce and look to build a buggy pack to protect prams from the damper days and keep those pesky squirrels from attacking the snack bag.
We'll invest in our team, taking teenagers and training them to be exceptional Barista's, giving them the responsibility and knowledge to not just build their CV but also their confidence. Our team have always been the rock of The Inside, building the relationship with our community and each other and we have been honoured to train some amazing individuals over the years, paying them a good wage and above all trusting them to make our environment a calm, welcoming and soulful place.
The Inside is such a special place, it gives parents, grandparents and carers a safe haven to allow little ones to room free and explore, free from the hustle and bustle of town and nestled in beautiful nature.
Through so darkness this is our glimmer of light.