Q&A: Elle Taylor of Amethyst Coffee

~ Coffee in Denver and Resident Mermaid duties with Elle Taylor ~ 

Sadie heads to Denver for good coffee, good cocktails and good eats every so often, and a pourover or cappuccino from Amethyst Coffee is frequently on the lineup. We talked caffeinated lifestyle, behind the bar and after hours, with owner, founder and self-titled 'Resident Mermaid' Elle Taylor - grab a cup of great coffee and join the conversation! 

The LAB: What's the moment you remember as the first you knew you wanted to open a coffee shop?

Elle: I don't think I remember the first moment I wanted to. There's a huge difference between wanting to open a coffee shop and deciding to open a coffee shop. I remember the moment I decided to open a coffee shop, and it was the single most terrifying moment of my life. 

The LAB: What's been your favorite part of watching Amethyst grow?

Elle: Walking away for 2 days and having it still be there when I come back. I also love it when people ask my staff if they own it. That means they show enough love, care, and dedication for people to think they have ownership.
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The LAB: What's your go-to morning bev? 

Elle: Drip coffee. 

​The LAB: Where did you grow up? Any specific childhood experiences that affected your career today?

Elle: I grew up in South Eastern Pennsylvania. When I was younger I made up a restaurant called 'The Purple Egg'. I think my management experience really stems from there. ;) 
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The LAB: If you could give one piece of advice to women in the coffee industry right now, what would it be?

Elle: Don't be afraid, statistically you have a better palate than all the dudes in the game. 
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​The LAB: What's your favorite movie? 

Elle: A League of Their Own. 

The LAB: What's the best cup of coffee you've ever had?

Elle: I couldn't tell you. I've had a LOT of amazing cups of coffee - the most memorable is probably the Sidra from Commonwealth Coffee Roasters. 

​The LAB: What's a typical night out in Denver look like for you?

Elle: Dinner and drinks with my boyfriend. We live in Five Points, so we end up eating over there a lot. 

The LAB: Did you have a favorite job before Amethyst?

Elle: I've loved all of my jobs. I would never work a job I didn't think was fun.
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The LAB: If your life was a movie, what would it be called? Who would star as you? 

Elle: My boyfriend and I talk about this a lot. He calls me muffin, so my movie is 'Muffin of None' and I don't know who would star as me.. Kristin Wiig?

The LAB: Thanks Elle! Looking forward to our next experience at Amethyst. Cheers! ~ Sadie