Beanbag Espresso

One little final goodbye before we hand over the reins to Dan & Good Chat Coffee Co.
I couldn’t imagine the impact a tiny, little coffee shop on a busy road in Wavell Heights could have had on my life. From the highest of highs to the lowest lows, I have learnt so much within those 4 walls. About life, about people but mostly about myself. I know I am and always will be a better person because of it. Thanks for letting me into your lives & your families & accepting this coffee shop lady as one of your own . I know I’ve said it a million times but grateful can’t even begin to explain how I feel today.
See you all at Good Chat for a coffee & catch up (as soon as I can kick this covid).
Much love, respect & gratitude,
Dee 🩵

In a sad turn of events the universe has decided to bring forward my finish date by a couple of days. I’ve tested positive to Covid today meaning my last Saturday ever was also my last Beanbag shift ever. I’m feeling heartbroken at the thought of not being able to laugh, cry & celebrate with you all this week but it’s not all bad news. Daniel, who will be taking over the space from the 1st of December is going to start a couple of days early to help me out & meet the neighbourhood so I hope you can still visit on our last 2 days ever. I’m so sorry, this is not the type of break I had in mind 😭

Last. Saturday. Ever.
Come visit 🤎

From 1st of December you can still get your delicious coffees & pastries right here with a brand new coffee shop opening up, Good Chat Coffee Co, who will also be taking over this page. To stay in touch please add our private pages, .lewiis
Thanks again for being the best part of our business 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🖤🩶🤍🤎

Are these not the cutest, chubbiest ginger bread to ever exist?!
One week to go. If you’ve been waiting 8 and half years to pop in for a coffee, the time is right now ⏰

I’ve seen a lot of kids grow up over the last 11 years but I don’t think anyone has done as much growing up there as I have. When we first started out I wouldn’t have even thought about inclusion or acceptance or compassion. I knew I loved coffee & people and it made sense to have a business built around that. But 11 years has taught me the absolute importance of acknowledging & creating a safe space & platform that loves, respects & welcomes all.
I am an introvert by nature. I swear there’s an invisible force field in front of my coffee machine that gives me confidence & an understanding that there’s a lot more to people’s daily coffees than a caffeine hit.
At a time where the world seems like an overwhelmingly sad place, it feels important to mention how privileged & fortunate I feel to have spent the last 11 years doing what I love, with the people I love.
I’ve done my fair share of soul searching over the years but nothing has taught me more about myself and humanity than the people who have chosen to spend their time & money at our little shop.
Thank you. I’m forever grateful.

Girl Gang/Mums Club/9am crew.. not exclusive to girls, mums or 9am coffee lovers.
So grateful to have spent the last 11 years doing what I love, with the people I love, cheering me on.
Owning a business comes with its challenges but each challenge has far been outweighed with the amount of love & support shown to me since the very beginning.
Massive thank you, you’re the biggest & best cheer squad I could have asked for.

Look mum we made the news!
But also, I don’t want anyone to worry about me, so let’s talk about that.
We decided to call it a day for a few different reasons. First of all, our lease was coming to an end. Secondly, I’ve been doing this for nearly 12 years, and in that time the most time I’ve had off is 2 x 6 weeks breaks, both for recovery after surgeries and I’m tired, really, really tired.
I’m also ready for a lot less responsibility. I became a mum in my teens and a business owner in my 20’s. Now my real baby has grown up (😭) and has moved out and the shop baby is my biggest commitment. I have the opportunity now to live a more spontaneous life and I’m grabbing onto that.
But more importantly and probably the most defining factor of my decision, and the headline, I have a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I’ve had symptoms since my shoulder surgery 8 years ago but the last couple of years have been especially bad. I’m in a cycle of working 6 days to afford my many therapies & medication, and paying for that so I can work 6 days a week. It’s not a great cycle and has made keeping up with everything else, physically & financially, really difficult.
So I promise it’s not as serious as it sounds, I’m leaving at a time I have a really deep love for my little shop, and I’ll get to remember it that way. The timing feels right and as much as it is super emotional and heartbreaking for me, I’m also excited to see what the future has in store.

Let’s talk about Amani today because it’s her birthday 🥳
It’s no surprise that business owners make sacrifices at the cost of their loved ones and I’ve tried my hardest for that to be minimal, but Amani might have made the most, trading her weekends for sweeping floors & pulling shots since she was 8 years old. We don’t always get it right, but I think we do the best with what we have at the time, and I hope trading off a big chunk of her childhood to work (and nap) in coffee shops has helped to shape her into the absolutely beautiful hearted person she is today. Amani is the real mother of Beanbag, loving all the babies as often and as much as she can. Finishing off with a poem I wrote for Amani a couple of years ago because it seems very fitting.
Happy 20th Amani, we love you.

They say youth is wasted on the young
And for the most part, it is probably true.
But then as adults we light up the same paths
That at some stage were lit for us too.
I’ve seen children with abundant wisdom
And small babies with bountiful soul
It’s the living without context that’s freeing
And the amazement in lack of control.
There’s this void in the middle of madness
Where beauty and sadness combine
You filter fake smiles for strangers
And tell people who love you you’re fine.
If anyone could teach us of life
It’s the child who hasn’t been taught
Who cares more of the joy that’s experienced
And less of a validation that’s sought.
Don’t forget for a moment you are a miracle
A combination of stardust and love
You are whole and complete just as you are
And you’ll always be more than enough.
You don’t need to respect those who don’t show it
Because they’ve walked longer than you on this earth
Let your power be that you love wholly
And your wisdom be knowing it’s worth.
Let your young years be that of wonder
And live for each moment of every day
Don’t be too foolish to ask for directions
But light up your own path along your way.

Love Mum and the whole community who adore you.

Prepare for a trip down memory lane this month. When we say we, and our families, have grown up in coffee shops, we’re not joking. When we bought the Bowerbird Cafe in 2012 I couldn’t even imagine the friendships & families I would become a part of. You’ve watched us grow up and vice versa. Thank you for allowing us into your hearts & homes over the last 11+ years, what a trip! Who remembers the lemonade stand? If you’ve got any old Bowerbird photos drop them in the comments, I’d love to see them 💛

🌟 Beanbag Espresso is saying goodbye 🌟
After 8 and a half years of brewing love and coffee at Beanbag Espresso, the time has come to bid a bittersweet farewell to our beloved coffee shop. The journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing community that has helped shape me and this place into what it is today.
The heart and soul of Beanbag Espresso has always been the wonderful people who walked through our doors day after day. Your smiles, laughter, and conversations have filled this space with warmth and character, making it more than just a coffee shop. You've become family, and for that, I am forever grateful.
But as they say, every chapter must come to an end. It's time for me to step back, rest, and focus on my health. It's a decision made with a heavy heart, but one that's necessary to ensure I can be there for my loved ones and enjoy more precious moments with family and friends. Beanbag Espresso has been a labour of love, but now it's time for a new chapter in my life.
The memories created here will forever hold a special place in my heart. The friendships forged over countless cups of coffee will be cherished. The support from this incredible community will never be forgotten.
*All going to plan our last day will be November 28th. Please use up any vouchers or credits within this time.
*I am a Pisces and will be crying from this day forward, don’t worry yourselves with that, it’s very natural for me.

Amie, author of the super popular books popped in for a restock today and bought us some super cute My First Emergency Activity Books. Not only are they fun & adorable, they’re also FREE for the next 10 people who purchase one of Amie’s books.
These books are already super popular so don’t wait too long to score this great deal.
They’d make great Christmas gifts and you’ll be supporting a wonderful, hardworking, local paramedic at the same time.
Thank you Amie, you’re the best!

Beanbag Espresso Awesome coffee, cakes & company.

Hands up Halloween Lovers 🧡🙋‍♀️

Thank you for being the reason we do what we do 🩵

Good morning 👋

Treaties for my sweeties 🤗

Happy Saturday 🌞
Open til 11am 🥐

11 weeks til Christmas. Enjoy some retail therapy while you wait for your next coffee 💚❤️💛

FYI 🩵

We’re featuring some really special art on our shelves at the moment. This is Tilly. We’ve known Tilly since she was a newborn and she has been drawing, and drawing us pictures, since she was 3. We believe her art should be seen and loved by all of our lovely locals so you can check them out next time you pop in. You can own your own piece for just $15 too. Thanks for being you Tilly and allowing us to have your beautiful art displayed in our shop🌞

Missed out on completing your Woolies Cards Set? Drop in & help yourself this school holidays or send us a message with what you need. We still have heaps!

With less than 100 days til Christmas, don’t forget your local artists and small businesses this year ❤️💚💛

Hey cool kids! We’re back tomorrow. See you soon 😘

One more day until we’re taking a much needed little break. See you tomorrow (or next week). 🌞

We’re taking a little break next week & will be closed Wednesday - Saturday 🚢 ☀️
I’ll miss you all (& the coffee) but also.. holidays 🥳🥳

Spring Vibes 🥤🌞
Haven’t found your dad the perfect present yet? Email him a sneaky gift voucher - https://squareup.com/gift/C22K5K6N49MBR/order 🩵🩵

What to buy the person who has everything? Coffee! You can now purchase our gift cards online. They’re super easy to buy, send & redeem.
Share some caffeinated love today https://squareup.com/gift/C22K5K6N49MBR/order
You can also use them on everything else in store 🩵

Link is also in bio (Instagram)

We’re celebrating Dads this weekend & to celebrate all the great dads we know and see every day we’ve got some great prizes to give away. For your chance to win your Dad a box of or a Prepaid Coffee Card (12 free coffees!) like this post and tag him (or any great dad) in the comments. We’ll draw a winner Friday night for Saturday collection (between 7-11am)
Unlimited entries allowed in separate comments please 🩵🩵
Good luck!

You guys octopi our heart 🩵
Happy Book Week.

🍒 Yes, you do deserve a little treat today 🍒