(Dinner Celebrating 16ozDays x Vitality)
A quick Blurb
Ever since 16ozDays was simply an idea, we’ve had support. From family members, friends, the team, and fans, we have so much to be grateful for in our journey as a brand. In light of the coming holiday of thankfulness, we would like to take a moment to reflect and look back on our past, giving thanks to all who have helped us grow.
(My buds Grace, Em, & Matt braving a brisk Sunday morning by the bonfire)
(Beau, out here with a burnt ass smore)
(Betty enjoying her morning cup)
people along the way
Each week we are at shops meeting owners, baristas, local coffee fans, even getting to know others around the country. The community surrounding the café industry has been incredibly warm, welcoming, and has invited us in without a second guess. For this, we are forever grateful. However it’s all of you who have made this community, created the atmosphere, and allowed for us to grow. 
(Mo & Rachel, the first two people I’ve ever met from the page in person. They’re also engaged now, congrats you two.)
To all the baristas who have been willing to chat with us about your place of employment, what you love to create, and how you do it, we are grateful.
To all the owners and entrepreneurs who have taken time out of your day to sit down with us and tell us about your shop and your experiences, we are grateful.
To all of our followers who participate in our weekly polls, who comment, like, and share with your friends, we are grateful.
To those of you who have taken a chance on us, and taken time out of your day to show up to our events, we are grateful.
To you, reading our blog posts every week (or even just sometimes), we are so grateful.
We have some people especially close to our hearts who have played a huge role in getting us off the ground. The entire team at Vitality Roasting has given us endless support, and was our first event partnership. We are grateful for the risk you were willing to take, and for your advice, support, and friendship. Everyone at S.K. Coffee, from Sam, Nate, Maddie, and the entire team who have poured so much support into us and our most recent event, your willingness to share your space and knowledge has been an incredible gift. 
(Keli & El, Manager and barista from Vitality showing us their new machine, does it have a name yet??)
(Some ugly mother father & Sam, founder of S.K. cheesing a few days before our event.)
Thank you to those who have sent us DM’s for recommendations or when there is a drink we should try. Also Hi @CuppaChicago and @Coffee.Tasted, (both on Instagram), a big thanks to you for the advice, recommendations, and even guides for your own cities when we traveled to Chicago and Seattle.
I can still remember the morning where an old friend Lauren & I were catching up over some lattes at Café Astoria. We were talking about our growth the last few months, still very new to the game. We were happy with our progress up to that point and were excited to see what 16ozDays become one day. Exactly one year later (Nov 13th, 2021) we had our event with S.K. Coffee. A roasting lesson, cupping, and gathering of friends. Between S.K., the U of M & 16ozDays we had roughly 75 individuals attend.
The Rundown
Looking at the numbers, our first few months we barely scratched 3,000 impressions/mo. Within this last month, we’re nearly at 40,000/mo, wow. We’ve traveled to two states together and have hosted two events with 2 amazing shops. I can’t help but smile when I see that we’re starting to gain some traction and that our name is getting out there just a little bit more. The journey is just beginning & I’m glad you’ve joined us for it.
Final words
In all, we have so much to be grateful for. We have come so far, sometimes it’s hard to remember where we started, but taking time to reflect is vital to keep us grounded and motivated. To be honest with you, this isn’t easy. Taking risks and jumping full force into our passions is scary, sometimes really scary, but your love and support makes it not quite as frightening. We couldn’t have come this far without any of you, and we will continue to need your support to go further. We hope you enjoy your holiday festivities and can take some time to reflect and find things, people, and places you are thankful for in your world as well.
We love ya.
-16ozDays
————————————–
P.S. To the team:
Song- Thank you for being my go to photographer and content creator since UST. It has been amazing seeing you grow from when you were still thinking psych, moving over to communications and starting with Tommie Media, & now up at Pixel Farm. Hmm, yes, you could say I’m quite indubitably proud.
Grace- Can’t believe it’s already been 9 months. Thanks for consulting with me every week before I post the weekly shop. I appreciate all the time you spend planning, writing, and meeting every week for Social Media Sundays. You’re a fast learner, excellent barista, and from you’ve told me a very talented baker as well. I haven’t had the chance to yet, but I’m excited to try your baking!
Matt- My original coffee bud. Thank you for going with me all those times so I didn’t have to go by myself. Also thank you always sharing the brand and being a positive example of who we are. Whether it’s 16oz related or not, it’s always a great time hanging out. Can’t wait for Illenium next week!
Simon-God, we’re weird, so weird hahaha. Half of the things we say on our car rides are just plain questionable. Anyway, thank you for being there when I need advice, helping me (and others) when we don’t ask for it, and being able to roll with the punches. You’re a great friend and I’m proud to call you one of my best buds.
I’m very grateful for all of you. Sometimes it’s the support and other times it’s the straight forward feedback my ass needs, thank you for giving me both. From the start you all have supported me and that’s something that keeps me going on the days where not a single ounce in my body has motivation. To my go to coffee people, travel buds, and friends, thank you. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us. 🙂
With Gratitude,
-Dil
Leave a Reply