We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, how does your business help the community?
It’s a normal thing for coffee to be symbiotic with community, but for us being a hub for our local arts community is most important. Arcadia in Greece was where all the artists, musicians, philosophers, and writers would come to collaborate. That is what we want to be for the arts community here. Having a great cup of coffee and work with other artists to create something beautiful is all we could wish for!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Arcadia was born out of a necessity for a welcome space for everyone, and of course good coffee. We were in a coffee desert at the time and saw a need for a community space that provided a different atmosphere than what was available in third wave coffee. Something that felt more like an international space, with an at home feel. We wanted to steer away from the sterile, mundane wave that coffee shops had become. We are on the verge of opening a second location which is very exciting. I am most proud of the relationships that have been made in and through this shop. It is community at its finest. Nothing about small business is easy. It takes grit, most of time grit you didn’t know you had. Lots of sleepless nights and sore muscles and tears..lots of tears..both from sorrow and joy. I wouldn’t have been able to overcome those things without my family being by my side the entire time. They have championed me through this journey. The best thing I have learned through this small business roller coaster has been to just go with the flow. Also to really listen to your gut. When doors close, they close for a reason. The same with them opening. Take the leap! No matter what you will land on your feet, whether its in the bottom of a valley or the top of a mountain, you will be OK! I want the world to know that Arcadia Coffee is there for them. We want people to be able to feel the love, one cup at a time!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our neighborhood is full of the most amazing places to visit. In the mornings we would go to many of our local coffee/tea shops, like Leaves Tea Shop, of course Arcadia Coffee! Shopping #1 is Morgan Mercantile. There is also Laude the Label, and Winton and Waits. For food we would absolutely visit Tinie’s, The Bearded Lady, and Black Cat PIzza! For Drinks our #1 spot would be Nickel City, Tarantula Tiki Lounge, and Hop Fusion Ale Works. We might go get a tattoo at Panther City Tattoos! And then catch a show at Tulips.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jason Reed of Pic Coffee Roasters. He not only roasts for our shop but has been our partner in crime since we first dreamed this baby up. He is an incredibly talented roaster and friend.

Website: www.arcadiacoffee.org

Instagram: @arcadia.coffee

Image Credits
Brooke Elaine Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.