Grande Lattes, and great conversation just seem to go together, particularly with the lingering chill of winter and the last traces of “snowmaggedon” fading. What began as an “interview,” soon felt more like a guided conversation. It’s one thing to research a story, it’s quite another, to sit across from someone, hear the passion in their voice, feel the weight of their emotion, and realize you’re listening to a life shaped by obedience and the courage to follow an unknown path. One step, one day at a time.  

What I love most about highlighting nonprofit work is discovering the good that’s happening quietly all around us. No spotlight, no accolades, just people showing up because it matters. The real story is almost always found in the listening, and that’s exactly how my conversation with Alohana Jackson, president of the Hoosier Cowboy Association, unfolded. What began as a simple discussion about rodeo culture quickly opened the door to something deeper, a mission rooted in service, generosity, and community.

Nonprofit Niche highlights the vital role nonprofit organizations play in our communities, whether faith‑based or charitable, these organizations exist to meet real needs, not for profit, but for people. And more often than not, the most impactful work happens quietly, faithfully, and without much fanfare. 

Fun fact: The origins of Valentine's Day are believed to be rooted in the celebration of Lupercalia, (A.D. 270) a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. Whether fact or fiction, I know I'm certainly not celebrating a Fertility Festival. Yikes!

What is Coffee, Laughs, and Chats? Since I’ve been asked this a lot, and because behind every idea lies a good backstory, let’s break it down. Coffee, Laughs, and Chats began as a simple Facebook group in 2024. The goal? To share funny, heartfelt, quirky, and real thoughts and stories. When you least expect it, some things just work out. 

Jill’s entrepreneurial journey began twenty years ago. Having spent most of her adult life crunching numbers and doing what CPA’s do best, Jill’s ordinary workday took an unexpected detour. One of her longtime clients floated an idea about starting a payroll company. He would provide the capital; Jill would run the business. Same partnership, different investments. On paper, it made sense. With her strong management skills, a reputation for getting things done right, no conflict of interest since her current firm did not offer payroll services and knowing the business inside out, logic said it was time to take a chance; still Jill was hesitant. Although she was intrigued by the prospect of owning her own business, this was not a decision she could make lightly or on a whim. Running every aspect of a payroll service would be no small undertaking and she needed to carefully weigh the pros and cons before taking a leap of this magnitude.

Welcome to the first edition of Coffee, Laughs and Chats Business Series. Today, we are diving into Brewed Awakenings: A Startup Business Journey. An adventure that is sometimes bold, sometimes bittersweet, but always best when shared over a good cup of coffee. 

Welcome! Time to get comfy, grab your coffee mug and settle in for Coffee, Laughs, and Chats Holiday Edition. This month’s theme: Santa’s Out of Duct Tape and Patience. Around here, our conversations are sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but ALWAYS real!

      What? Is it true that you have never heard the story of the Bread Family Christmas? Oh my, well it's time to grab a big cup of hot chocolate, get comfy and let me share one of the most delicious stories never told!

Thanksgiving is Tomorrow. Yikes! Seriously, where did the year go? It feels like I just finished putting away Halloween candy (okay, I admit it, putting it away, eating it; same difference) and now it’s time to start prepping for my annual turkey marathon.

Welcome to this month’s Coffee, Laughs, and Chats edition, Black Friday Elbow Throws and Coupon Codes. Today, we’re not just talking Black Friday shopping, we’re diving into traditions, chaos, drama, and those legendary doorbusters.

If you ever reheated your coffee three times before noon, brokered a peace treaty over the last candy bar, or wondered if the laundry pile is secretly multiplying, then you’re in good company.