It’s no secret that our employees are what make Sip and Ship shine, and we’re excited to share more about them with you. Receiving a digital postcard is a special way to connect with our amazing crew members and learn unique information about them that you wouldn’t otherwise have known! Meet our team inside each exclusive digital postcard and experience Sip and Ship’s in-store charm, because all of us strive to add a little extra pizzazz to your day.
This month we have a postcard from Kaya, a truly dedicated and kind teammate who keeps our Ballard shipping counter running smoothly all summer long! Kaya is one of our seasonal employees and we are absolutely delighted to see her during breaks from school. She just graduated from college this spring and is headed to law school in the fall. Upon chatting with Kaya, it’s clear that there is no shortage of work ethic and ambition. We are so proud of her accomplishments, always here to support her studies, and can’t wait to see her change the world!
What are some of your passions/hobbies?
I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I love to explore! Whether that’s a new cafe, new area of the city, or a new country, I’m all about experiencing what’s out there to find a new favorite spot and expand my perspective. I also have a passion for human rights and social justice issues - as an undergrad I did field research on refugee trafficking in Austria, Indigenous youth incarceration in Australia, and my senior thesis was on hazardous child labor in Costa Rica.
Describe a cherished place you like to visit in the summertime.
For me, it’s Seattle! That might sound a little weird to someone who’s based here year round, but I’ve been abroad the majority of the past four years and soon will be moving to Boston, so I really value the chances I get to come home in the summer. Also, summer is arguably the best time to be in Seattle (weather’s great, a lot of fun activities, etc.), so that’s a big draw as well!
What small business do you love in Seattle and why?
One of my favorite small businesses in Seattle is Timeless Tea, a bubble tea and dessert shop off of I-5 as you enter the U District. It’s so good and open late, so I head there if I want an after-work treat!
What's your favorite drink/pastry from the Sip and Ship cafe?
I love our iced chai latte with oat milk. For my favorite pastries, I miss the chocolate crinkle cookies from winter, but I’m also a big fan of the molasses cookies!
Any fun facts about yourself you'd like to share with our customers?
I’m not originally from Seattle - I was born and spent half my life in Portland, OR!
I alluded to it somewhat in my previous answers, but my undergraduate degree was a four-year-long study abroad program! I‘ve had the privilege of living and studying in seven different countries over the past few years!
P.S. The Greenwood Car Show is this Saturday and we can’t wait to support you in all of the festivities. Come say hi and step inside our store for a quick break from the heat + a slice of our amazing banana bread, or try our seasonal Campfire Mocha. We would love to serve you a refreshing iced latte or flashed brewed iced coffee while you’re at it!
There’s also a huge milestone we’d like to acknowledge: Happy five year anniversary to our absolutely brilliant Greenwood store manager, Carrie! You bring so much to our business and are a monumental part of our team. Sip and Ship wouldn’t be the same without you! Thank you for five amazing years- we look forward to working with you for many more.
Written in collaboration by Diana Naramore and Megan Pavek