The Tala Blog
Featured Article
Espresso at Home - from Budget to Bougie
“Making coffee at home is incredible fun. It can be relaxing, ritualistic, convenient, and comforting. Or, like myself, you are simply fascinated and enamored with the brewing process. Whatever the case, I’m here to guide you down the road of buying a new espresso set up.”
Winnetka Holiday Shopping Guide
The holidays are here, and with them comes the artful chaos of finding just the right gifts for your loved ones. Don’t stress—Winnetka’s local gems make holiday shopping feel more like an adventure and less like a chore. We took a trip downtown and found some great spots to buy holiday gifts for friends and family.
Tala To-Go: Hot Drinks and Local Finds
Libertyville is full of so many cool things to explore! But first—arguably the most important stop—a warm drink from Tala on this chilly day. We picked up hot chocolates, the perfect treat to sip while strolling through Libertyville.
One Year With Coffee Club
“I noticed that you had a Coffee Club subscription, and I just thought it would be a great way to dive in and explore what your business has to offer.” One year later Billy and Maria are still loving the perks and new experiences that come with trying a different coffee every month.
In Celebration of Mom
From our biological moms, to the role models and women that have built a motherly bond with us over time, we are so thankful for each and every one of you. You have brought comfort, advice, kindness, gentleness, love, and unending support into our lives. You show us how to keep going and what matters most in life. As a way to say thank you to our moms and the women who show us what being motherly means, the Tala staff has written up a quick list of our favorite things about mom.
Partner Program Highlight: Nordic Brew
We said, ‘let’s repurpose it.’ It was actually my business partner’s idea because I’ve been a coffee shop fanatic for a long time. I’ve traveled out of state looking for different coffee shops. He knew that I’m crazy about coffee so he had this idea. We just turned it into a coffee shop and here we are!”
In Celebration of Community
Running a small business is always a wild ride, but running a small business through a pandemic has been a new kind of wild. What’s more: our cafe has officially been open longer during the pandemic than not. What felt like an emergency interruption has become our new reality. But that’s not unique to us, that’s everyone’s story as of late.
Small Business Saturday 2020
In typical 2020 fashion, this Small Business Saturday hits differently than most. The strangely somber undertone of this year is how many small businesses across the country—and world, for that matter—are closed for this special day, some temporarily and others permanently. With that as the backdrop of today, it is with even deeper gratitude that we extend our sincerest thank you to all of you.
Favorite Memory: The Meeting
We’ve made it to the end, folks. End of the week, last look back on year two before we shove all nostalgia down and stuff it into the vault until next August. I won’t have as colorful storytelling as Matt, as eloquent language as Conner, or as sentimental, tear-jerking material as Marcus, but what I can do is ramble on aimlessly for awhile like I normally do. You should all be used to that by now.
Favorite Memory: Ride to Work
I started at Tala in the midst of the pandemic, where many of us have been able to pursue new hobbies, interests, and curiosities. My goal throughout the more at-home time during quarantine was to spend more time with my family. I haven’t lived at home for many years, and this was a perfect opportunity to spend time with my loved ones.
Favorite Memory: A Fruitful Year
Regardless of where you are in life or what you're going through, life has a funny way of bringing you joy. In my case, everything began changing for the better when I came to Tala. I was brought on board to the team the day before the cafe's first birthday last year. And let me tell you, so much has happened that this past year has felt like three.
Favorite Memory: Things and Stuff
I happen to be fond of a poet named William Carlos Williams. You may know him from high school English class. Chances are he wrote one of, if not the poem that caused you to think poetry is dumb.
Favorite Memory: In Charge
I’ve spent the last eight-ish months about 3,000 miles away from Highwood due to the COVID situation. If the whole virus thing hadn’t happened, I’d probably be in the café right now—either on shift or doing some academic work or playing a card game...
Favorite Memory: Birthday Bash
When I think back at the second year of our cafe, so many memories come to mind. From throwing parties to meeting new people to sharing conversations. The thing that stands out immediately for me above the rest is actually day one. We kicked off year two with an amazing birthday bash.