Our Story
08/2017
Let me introduce myself - Hello, my name is Malachi - I am young - very foolish - and probably crazy too. I am writing you now because I want you to understand why I decided to skip college and instead pursue the second quickest way to go broke - starting a coffee shop.
My story begins in November of 2016.
The job I had only held for 3 months was taking a toll on my spirit. The atmosphere was overflowing with negativity and hypocrisy. I quickly recognized a critical issue in society: people are drifting apart! I believe there is no greater purpose than enjoying life with the people around you. If we are not striving to connect with others, we will miss our purpose for living.
There are 3 kinds of relationships:
Work relationships - ones that serve a purpose and get a job done. - the physical connection
Surface relationships - ones that are generally non-essential and in passing. - the mental connection
Authentic relationships - ones that are selfless, meaningful, and deep. - the spiritual connection
We must connect on all levels!
(deeper than coffee)
09/2017
In the first months of my venture I struggled - what will make TAPROOT unique? How will my heart for community be manifest? I am on a journey to that end - gradually uncovering the answer and sharing my findings. I long for a culture shift. I hope to see people care more about each other and less about staying busy.
This all starts with building an oasis in Hickory, NC - a place where people can pursue authenticity for themselves.
(coffee is the context)
10/2017
Coffee is the means I chose to improve the world by. Why coffee? First and foremost: I am passionate about it - without passion life is dull. Secondly: tradition. Looking back over the millennia, coffee has been a cherished ritual in many cultures - the ultimate form of hospitality and love.
Coffee is much more than a vehicle for TAPROOT. Coffee is the context and foundation for starting an honest conversation.
(people are the purpose)
11/2017
Is there a deeper reason for life than learning to love people? It doesn't sound difficult; in fact love is quite simple! Love is the OUTWARD manifestation of a selfless spiritual connection. When your behavior is solely designed to benefit others, you are loving them. Solely means without any other motivation.
TAPROOT explores the limits of these statements. Can a business be solely designed to benefit other people? And if not, can It be a tool used for that purpose?
(living to learn)
01/2018
I do my best to learn something new everyday. Like everything in life, learning is an art. Think like a student. I can't learn anything when I know everything; so use the phrase "I don't know" often. There are obvious areas of growth for each of us, but try looking somewhere new. Can I look for subtle opportunities to become better in everyday interactions? If I can become more observant of people can it improve new aspects of my behavior?
(cultivating conversation)
10/2018
One thing I have noticed after 6 months in my own shop: the people that are pushed past "good, how are you" COME BACK. People belong when they are engaged in a conversation. If I'm honest, I sometimes hide behind the bar and a smile. I'm not always thrilled to trigger a conversation. This is a big weakness for me because I DO want everyone to belong. I push myself everyday to break through the surface with people.
Without people, TAPROOT would have no purpose. Without conversation TAPROOT would be just coffee.
(a letter to myself)
09/2019
Whenever I find myself in a mental / emotional game of “extra hard” Sudoku, I will occasionally sit down to organize my thoughts & feelings in the form of a letter. Then, after writing & reading the letter, I will return those thoughts back to my brain in a coherent order.
"You’re only as smart as you sound". It is a maxim that rings true in my life. I am pushed by that truth to never stop working on communication. No matter how intelligent I may be, my thoughts are useless when they stay in my MIND.
Many letters get deleted or go unread by their recipients; however this method has never failed me in untangling the messy bowl of noodles I got for a brain.
(face value)
03/2020
Why am I so interesting? Really - I must know. I am perplexed when listening to others brag on my accomplishments. I haven't done much. In fact, I view myself as lazy, not passionate and inspired. I view myself as a one-trick pony.
Now I’m dealt a challenge: “You must reconcile public opinion with your own perspective.” Step one is accepting a simple truth: often times the people nearest you can see and speak things into you that you are blind to.
(this is the hard part) I've learned to accept what people love about Malachi, as awkward and rude as he might be.
Authenticity. Honesty. Integrity.
These are all time tested traits that can't be cheated. They are attributes that put me in a position to do what I do best. The thing I refocus on every day: Connecting people.
(The 4 Tenants of a Good Barista)
07/2021
These “Tenants” were developed while on a cross-country road trip. I like to use time away to re-clarify purpose. Of course, a road trip is incomplete without stopping at a coffee shop, or two, or ten. While gathering inspiration, I noticed a some cafes a head above the rest. Beyond description, something is richer in the atmosphere of those places where higher values are observed. My hope is by plastering these on the wall, the same atmosphere will permeate our space.
Anticipate, dont assume.
Speak kindly, and clearly
Break the pattern.
Do your best always.
(A Formula for Friendship)
02/2025
For those struggling to make friends, as I once did, and still do occasionally; I offer this simple formula for you to ponder and practice. This, I believe, is a universal process - required for the seeding of any friendship.
Proximity
True friendship envelops the title of Companion. One must first gain this title, before ever entering into friendship. A companion is defined as a person with whom you spend a lot of time. Proximity is defined as “A nearness in space, time, or relationship”.
Mutual Willingness
Willingness is the second step on our journey. Many would-be friends stay in this zone, as it is the first requiring some small effort to cross. The “Will” is sacred because it separates us from animals. Willingness is defined as “the state of being prepared or ready”. If you believe yourself to be ready, yet another is not, pursing a friendship will be like swimming up-stream… tricky!
Shared Experience
Experience and proximity go hand in hand, the latter often fulfilling the former. You will find, as this list is iterated upon, “Shared Experience” becomes more vital for a lasting friendship, while Proximity becomes less vital. Experience encompasses many dimensions and cannot be easily defined. The good news: this bond is multi-faceted and accumulates effortlessly over time.
Intentionality
Intentionality - the secret sauce in ALL aspects of life. Success is always a direct factor of intention. Most friendships are attributed to chance, fortune, destiny, or providence. They don’t need to be! Setting Intention is defined as: “the act of being deliberate or purposeful”. Intentionality is an ongoing practice, which leads us to the final step.
Repetition
Repetition is the most crucial step in the process of making friends. Without it you only have a collection of high quality acquaintances. Reliability is the core aspect of friendship echoed in this step. Repetition solidifies your effort, wiggling roots one layer deeper, towards a rich and lasting friendship.
