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

Hi Jolie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had always dreamt of having a small business. When the opportunity came up to purchase a coffee shop I jumped at the opportunity. I was a stay at home mama that also homeschooled her kids and wanted to do something on the side that would allow me to do it with my kids by my side.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have always wanted to own a business. I wanted something that I could include my kids in as we homeschool and spend our days together. The opportunity came along to buy this business, I saw the potential and vision for what this shop could be and how to meet a need in the community. I wanted to create a space where people felt invited and welcomed. We opened our shop the week before the Covid lockdown. Together with my sisters, husband and amazing employees we were able to stay open by offering curbside pick up options and take away meals for essential workers. This was obviously a challenging time for a lot of people and small businesses. Sugarlump Co. was proud to be able to offer a “Free Kids Lunch Program” that was able to donate sack lunches to those in need during the lockdown. This program is still a part of our business today and is aided by generous community sponsors. The business has grown steadily over the last couple of years. I am blessed to have a wonderful staff that serves the community well and opens their arms to the tourists that come in and out of Westcliffe year around. Through all the ups and downs and moments when I thought it would all fall apart, I learned the beauty of perseverance and sticking with it. I have learned that in the moments when things get hard just give it all that you have and things will work out. My faith in God has grown exponentially and He has truly worked things out for His glory even in the unexpected ways. Sugarlump Co. is a culmination of family and friends coming together to offer a place for the community to be welcomed and a place to feel at home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are many fun and cute places and day trips from Westcliffe it’s hard to know where to start. There is really something for all kinds of adventurers. I would start the day off by grabbing coffee from Sugarlump Co and then making my way down Main St. to Sugar and Spice bakery for a muffin or around the corner to Wildflour for a donut. One of my favorite things is to walk Main St before it gets busy. Once the shops open its always fun to wander in and out and discover all the little treasures they have to offer. As the day gets warmer I’d escape to one of the nearby lakes or into the mountains. Hermit Pass and Rainbow Trail are both great accessible options. On the return trip to town I’d swing by Peregrine Coffee Roaster for a refreshing lemonade before ordering a to-go meal from Tony’s Mountain Pizza and ending the day with a picnic on the bluff while the sun goes down. There is a small variety of other restaurants and eateries in Westcliffe that offer a range of food from breakfast to dinner.
Other activities include a day trip to San Isabel Lake with a stop at Bishops Castle, Great Sand Dune National Park, and Salida for more restaurants and shopping.

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?
I would like to give a shoutout to several people that have helped me along the way. My husband for believing in me and taking a financial risk to help me make my dream and vision come true, and for all of the help and support that he had given me. Next, my sister my Bethany for dreaming along side of me and working so hard with me  to help make Sugarlump Co. our dream come true. She truly helps bring allot of the creative elements to the company that make it what it is today. I’d also like to thank my sister Ivy for all of her encouragement, inspiration, help and hard work. Additionally, my sister Chloe for always being a shoulder to cry on and her constant encouragement. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to my dear friend and mentor Cyndie for all of her wisdom and guidance as I navigate being a small business owner. Last but not least I want to thank my kids for always being there for me through all the ups and downs that come with owning and managing a small business. They have come alongside this adventure with willing hearts and a helping hand each step of the way.

Website: www.sugarlumpco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarlumpco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

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