Meet Alex Gale from Black Lodge Coffee Roasters
Alex Gale is Co-Owner/Roaster and Coffee Educator at Black Lodge Coffee Roasters in New Harmony, Indiana. More about Alex and Black Lodge Coffee Roasters on this link >>.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness for me is to be present in the moment. Times are a flying by, and if there are moments that allow you to create a narrative in that single moment, then do it.
Remember, those moments you capture in your life won't EVER happen again (just like what you encountered in New Harmony), and there will be opportunities in the future that will allow you to reminisce about those moments. See, time went by, and you took the time to read this, and hopefully, it created happiness for you in your day. Be in the moment.
2. Which living person(s) do you most admire?
Erin French, a restaurateur in Freedom, Maine.
She has endured the gauntlet of life but has overcome unspeakable obstacles. She possesses a resilience that truly embodies the spirit of "upward and onward."
Erin has created an experience for humans to hold space with each other without the worry and pressure of "ordering your food!" This experience connects communities from far and wide, simply to give them four hours of pure joy.
The restaurant's name is The Lost Kitchen.
3. Who are your favorite writers?
Hmmmm, writers...
Well, I'm not sure if this person identifies as a writer, but I can honestly say he takes me on a journey with his words of intentionality. He is a local from New Harmony. May I introduce Matt Wagner? When I think of someone who may not be a professional writer but still takes you on a journey from word to word, paragraph to paragraph, it's enlightening and inspiring.
I first encountered some of his writing at a retreat that he and his partner, Leslie Eades, hosted. He has a way with words that not only moves you but also allows you to be present and listen to hear it, not just listen to it.
4. Who are your heroes in real life?
My Best Friend, Donald.
I met him in 2007 through a group of friends watching shows together. He comes from a close-knit and supportive family across the board. When I lived in Louisville and literally had no place to go because I was in between jobs and residencies, he took me in and gave me a room to stay in.
As time passed, he quickly became a father figure in my life. He has worked for everything he has achieved. It became clear to me that every year for Father's Day, he would receive a card from me, showing my appreciation for his love and support. I have never met my biological father, so having a father figure in my life I can call my hero means the world to me!
5. What does The New Harmony Project mean to you?
So, there are times in your life when you struggle to create a conversation without being intrusive into other people's lives. All year long, I stay strong, running my business to the best of its abilities... Then, time stops for a moment to let me know, “Alex, I've got you.” That moment in time is the New Harmony Project. Living and owning a business in New Harmony is as magical as you can imagine, but there are conversations that are always on the horizon that you want to have, but you keep them at bay because you aren't sure what the outcome would be.
I say all that because when this group comes in, I have two weeks to take a breath of fresh air and welcome humans for who they are. You all allow so much space for me and my team to express who they/we are. It's like a reset button I look forward to all year. I know what it's like when you feel as though you're expected to show up and be present to serve. But am I present? (I would say most of the time.) There is still that scarcity of diversity that's always lingering.
So when I say you all mean the world to me and my team... you mean the WORLD TO ME AND MY TEAM!