Kristi K. Higgins
The Progress-Index, Petersburg, Va.
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) Kristi Higgins shares the story of entrepreneur Amy Crump who, despite all odds, opened “Sweet Bliss Cafe” in the middle of the pandemic.
Petersburg
Despite the pandemic, new businesses are popping up in Old Towne. Courageous entrepreneurs are taking on the challenge.
Sweet Blis Cafe owner Amy Crump is one of the brave ones. According to Crump, her business which opened four months ago is going as well as to be expected during a pandemic.
“Taking a chance during this time was really risky, but I don’t regret it. Although it’s been a struggle with low business, we are still pushing forward,” said Crump, “In fact, we have now extended our hours and are open seven days a week to continue to serve the community offering a place to relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee.”
Crump expressed her gratitude to everyone who visits them to help support their little Cafe.
“We have finally gotten a grasp on what works well for the Cafe,” said Crump. “We were so blessed with the excitement that we received when we first opened and learned a lot during that time.”
Success brews fresh perks. The team at Blis happily upgraded to another espresso machine.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my young staff here at Blis,” said Crump. “It’s really given them an opportunity to learn what it’s like to run a business and serve the community.”
One of Crump’s goals is to provide young people with an opportunity to work & learn.
“In fact, it’s been such a joy to watch my 14-year-old son Donovan become so passionate about working here. I’ve been teaching him the ins and outs of business and finances,” shared Crump. “He treats this Cafe as if it’s his own and has shown that he will do what it takes to make this a great place.”
Working together has brought Crump and her son closer and loves having him with her on a regular basis.
“We even recently began doing yoga together on Monday afternoons at Yoga One Studio with Hope,” said Crump. “It’s been really nice spending time with my kid like this.
“Since working here Donovan has really come out of his shell and loves building relationships with our regular visitors,” said Crump. “I can’t thank the community enough for their patience and grace and allowing our youth to serve them. They love being here and get really excited when we have events.”
Another goal of Crump’s is to host fun events once a month where the Sweet Blis menu becomes specific to that event.
“This Saturday [January 23], we will have our Winter Wonderland-themed day,” said Crump. “While supplies last, we will have a snowman decorating kit served with a Dark Chocolate Vanilla Hot Chocolate for $15.
The ‘Ola-tte’ inspired by Olaf from Disney’s movie “Frozen” will be available for purchase at the Winter Wonderland event as well as a January drink special: Blis’ famous ‘D’s Winter Wonderland Latte’.
“We are also excited to have the Bacon, Blueberry Waffle Trife & Cinnamon Cream Cheese Waffle Trifle available for that day,” added Crump.
Have you ever eaten oats that have been soaked overnight?
Sweet Blis offers overnight oats soaked in maple, vanilla & cinnamon with an array of toppings such as Blueberry Muffin, Peaches & Creme, and Rasberry Chocolate.
Need something speedy?
Stop into Blis for a Grab & Go Trifle: Double Chocolate Brownie Raspberry, Caramel Banana Cheesecake, or Strawberry Shortcake.
Crump announced the February drinks-of-the-month will be ‘Sinful Valentine Latte’, ‘Dark Chocolate covered Strawberry Latte’, and ‘Cupids Kiss Cappuccino’.
Sweet Blis Cafe is located at 105 West Bank Street in Petersburg. Their hours are Mon. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tues. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for daily specials and to see what’s new at the Cafe.
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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
