A heartfelt blend of passion, protection, and pink perfection
Wild One Coffee isn’t just a place to grab your daily brew; it’s a welcoming, vibrant space where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the heart of its owner Michele Reina. With a love for community and a focus on safety, this small business has become a beloved part of Palmer, Alaska.
Launching a coffee stand is a multifaceted endeavor, from designing the physical space to navigating the complexities of business permits and financing. For Michele, every aspect of this journey needed to align with her vision of creating a safe and welcoming environment, not just for customers but especially for her employees.
“Employee safety is my number one priority,” she explained. “We’ve thought about every detail, down to the position of the building on the property. Our girls have access to 24/7 camera monitoring and even magnets for firearms if they choose to carry.”
Adding to the challenge was the financial aspect. Starting a business requires a significant amount of capital, and navigating the paperwork and securing a loan meant understanding how to put everything in place effectively.
The construction of the kiosk itself became a family affair. “We had the building framed by Stitt Construction, and the rest of it we did ourselves!” Michele shared. “Electrical, plumbing, drywall, paint, carpentry, flooring—you name it. My husband is extremely handy, and I am his apprentice.”
The couple’s teamwork and dedication transformed the space into a vibrant pink-and-white kiosk, a color scheme chosen to reflect Michele’s bubbly and organized personality. “I created my business as a reflection of me! If I were to describe myself, it would look exactly like my business. Bubbly font, pink, clean lines, organized—it’s my personality!”
On the financial front, the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided essential support. Michele saved diligently, pinching pennies wherever she could, but additional funds were necessary to bring her vision to life. “MAC Federal Credit Union helped me out with my business loan,” she said. “The SBDC really helped by guiding me on my business plan that I had to submit for my loan and pointed me to MAC FCU. They knew that local banks are usually the best bet for local business loans.” The process wasn’t easy, but with perseverance and the right support, she secured funding, using her assets as leverage to get the loan approved.
Today, Wild One Coffee stands as a testament to Michele’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to her community. Every element of the kiosk is a reflection of her hard work and passion, right down to the careful consideration for employee safety and involvement. “I involve everyone in decisions within the company and work hard to make everyone feel equal and part of what we are doing here,” Michele explained.
A hands-on approach keeps the business running smoothly and personally connected. “I’m very focused on what is in front of me,” she shared. “I don’t plan to expand anytime soon. I want my customers to see the person behind the business! I usually end up being at the shop every single day and enjoy every minute of it. Working here isn’t just a job; it’s a passion.”
“Thank you, Palmer, for all your support and kind words. It is truly a privilege to serve you your daily cup of coffee. The SBDC helped me so much with the paperwork and business loan process, and I couldn’t have done it without them!”
With a solid foundation, strong community ties, and a dedication to safety and inclusivity, Wild One Coffee has become a thriving hub of happiness and warmth. Michele’s commitment to being present every day, from hanging out at her tiny desk in the back to making herself available for her staff, is what makes Wild One so special. Through every challenge, she has built not just a business but a reflection of herself—a bright, loving, and resilient space for all to enjoy.
Start your day wild at Wild One Coffee Co., located at 1660 Ranch Rd in Palmer! Swing by for your favorite coffee, check out their menu, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for deals, new items, and more!
