Hello there! I’m Michaela Slown, a non-binary LGBTQ+ artist calling Nashville, TN my home. My journey might seem like a plot twist from a favorite sitcom, but it's brewed up into something truly remarkable. This is only the beginning. The possibilities are endless.
I started out with a life plan as precise as an espresso shot: a future in accounting, CPA exam in hand, and a seat at a top firm’s table; fate had a different blend in mind. Picture this: my freshman year was like a cappuccino with an extra shot of unexpected—enter the coffee shop, where my path took a frothy turn. As a barista, I discovered a newfound passion for coffee that was more than just a morning pick-me-up.
By my sophomore year, I was juggling class exams, coffee beans and camera lenses, thanks to a role as a sports photographer for my university’s athletic department. That’s when the steam really started to rise. I realized my original plan was decaf compared to the fully caffeinated vision of what I truly wanted. I switched my major to organizational communication and psychology, diving deep into connecting with people and telling their stories.
Since graduating from Trevecca in May 2018, I’ve poured my heart into roles at Crema Coffee Roasters, Honest Coffee Roasters, Warby Parker, UBS, and beyond. Each position has been an opportunity to stir my skills as a leader and artist. My photography uses a blend of analog and digital techniques to capture moments that resonate and inspire.
In 2022, I brewed up something special—a magazine called “Quoffee Zine.” It’s a rich variety of nearly a decade’s worth of coffee experiences, interspersed with snapshots that capture the essence of the coffee journey. This zine is crafted for anyone looking to savor the history, process, and artistry of a perfect cup.
Coffee has been my constant companion through every success and lesson. Though my days behind the bar may be in the past, my love for coffee and the vibrant community around it continues to be a source of endless inspiration. Each day is a fresh cup of opportunities to grow, connect, and create.
So here’s to life’s unpredictable brews and the endless stories waiting to be told. Let’s make each moment a little sweeter, together. Cheers to endless possibilities. Much love,
Michaela Slown
slownmichaela@gmail.com
+931 627 3149