Looking for a good cup of coffee? Take a stroll down Williamsstrasse in Berlin.
As you walk, you notice the aroma of roasted coffee beans filling the air. The aroma is so strong that you can practically taste it. The smooth sound of vinyl records spinning in the wind. And friends, family, and strangers erupt in contagious laughter. click sound Cappuccino cup.
Look no further. Arrived.
Welcome to 2nd Wave Coffee & Social, Berlin's newest and most charming coffee shop.
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“Berlin called me,” says the Washington, D.C., woman.
The small town on the Eastern Shore recently added a newcomer to the business scene: Claire Miller, owner of Second Wave Coffee.
Miller, who moved to Berlin from the Washington, D.C., area, is beginning the second chapter, or second wave, of her life. Hence the name of her coffee shop is her 2nd Wave Coffee & Social.
“It's like being a bartender during the day,” she said of running a coffee shop.
Miller remembers the first time he drove down Berlin's Main Street. She is the memory of her that she continues to hold on to.
“I said, 'A. I need to come back here and spend more time. B. Oh my god, can't I find a nicer town?' I was seriously considering moving. “At that time, Berlin called out to me,” she said.
Now living across the street from her own thriving small business and surrounded by some of the nicest and most supportive townspeople, Miller finds herself living an episode of “Gilmore Girls.” Masu. Ironically, this is one of her favorite TV shows of all time.
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A woman from a large company with dreams of small business
Second Wave Coffee officially opened on October 31, 2023 at 19 Williams Street. Since then, the local woman-owned coffee shop has received tremendous support from the surrounding community.
“The first day it was a mess, it was standing room only,” said Miller, 50.
Before opening 2nd Wave Coffee, Miller worked in the corporate world for nearly 20 years, managing small recruiting teams for major software companies such as PayPal.
But for as long as she can remember, this 50-year-old woman who loves making coffee has always dreamed of running her own small business.
Miller had two ideas in mind. A record store or a coffee shop. However, given that Berlin already had a record store called Sound He Storm He Records, the existence of a Coffee He Shop was not surprising.
“I've always wanted to own my own business. I thought I wasn't getting any younger and now was the time to do it,” Miller said. “So when I found this space, I said, 'Let's give it a try.'”
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Opening a coffee shop was a “challenge from the beginning”
But getting started proved difficult.
“It was a challenge from the beginning. I project-managed all of this myself. It was a lot of learning, making mistakes, figuring it out, researching,” Miller said. “I would be remiss if I didn't say I've made a lot of mistakes. But I've learned a lot. It's always about learning.”
As a woman, Miller faced some challenges that men could easily avoid.
“As a woman, it was difficult when it came to managing the construction project for this space and dealing with contractors like plumbers and electricians.I never knew there was such respect for women. I don’t feel it,” she admitted.
Now, more than four months after joining the company, Miller has finally found her rhythm.
“Now, when I come to work in the morning, it just clicks and there's this sense of peace, comfort and confidence,” she said.
“The challenges I've encountered make you humble. Being a small business owner is very humbling,” she added. “It's a lot more physically demanding than what I've been doing, but I wouldn't change anything. Creating something that people love so much and not having to go to other people to make decisions and get approval.” It's great that there isn't one.” ”
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A second-wave coffee shop “with the community in mind”
The coffee shop serves locally sourced coffee from Ceremony Coffee Roasters in Annapolis and just started using Brandywine Coffee Roasters, a new roastery based in Delaware.
Miller always has her customers in mind every time she serves freshly brewed coffee.
“I love coffee, but to me this space is about so much more than just drinking coffee. I created this space with the community in mind,” she said.
Second Wave Coffee thrives on three things: coffee, music, and people.
When designing the coffee shop's layout, Miller aimed for a warm, bright, and inviting space with colorful paintings dotting the walls and an eclectic style and good vibes. Overall, she managed to create a cozy atmosphere that felt like home.
“At some point, (the coffee shop) took on a life of its own,” she said. “It evolved in just four months. Back then it didn't have the personality it has now.”
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Customers are being asked to get creative with their coffee orders
Miller and her all-female staff encourage customers of all ages to stop by and stay a while and not be intimidated by the menu when deciding what to order.
“Coffee can be scary for a lot of people,” she said. “I love creating drinks that are tailored to the person. Find out what they like and what flavors they like. Don't limit yourself to what's on the menu and be creative. I recommend it to people.”
Miller is surrounded by coffee every day. As a result, her coffee orders are always changing.
“My current favorite is Dirty Chai with four shots of delicious espresso,” she said with a smile.
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Big plans for the future of Second Wave Coffee and Social
Looking to the future, Miller believes the future is bright for Second Wave Coffee.
Miller has a number of plans in the works, including educational classes alongside local roaster Iron Skillet Coffee and special collaborations with local companies such as Sound Storm Records.
The collaboration begins this month, with the first event, “Emo Night,” taking place on March 15th, and the second event, “Taylor Swift Night,” celebrating the release of Taylor Swift's new album, taking place on April 19th. will be held on.
With a rotating selection of vinyl records courtesy of Sound Storm Records and signature cocktails like espresso martinis, you're sure to have a good time.
“Now that I’m able to step into the water, there’s a lot of things I want to do,” Miller said.
According to womenshistorymonth.gov, March is Women's History Month, a time to commemorate the study, observance, and celebration of women's important role in American history. Every month, the city of Berlin celebrates female entrepreneurs like Claire Miller, especially this month.
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For people young and old who want to start their own business but don't know where to start, Miller has three pieces of advice. “Believe in yourself.”
“You have to keep chasing your dreams, sooner rather than later,” she said matter-of-factly. “It's very scary, but you can do it, so have confidence.”
Olivia Minzola covers the Lower Shore community. For tips and story ideas, contact ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
