Familiar Face – Mary Jo Wysocki

Whether it's first thing in the morning or a break later in the day, time with coffee in-hand is practically a ceremonial daily act. The emotional warmth of that ritual is nearly equal to the physical enjoyment it delivers. Part of that anticipated experience includes the kind people who provide that soul hugging treat such as Winot Coffee's manager Mary Jo Wysocki. The Courier wanted to learn more about the familiar face that is as uplifting as our daily cup of java.

Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from, where have you lived, and what brought you to the area?

Mary Jo Wysocki (MJW) - I guess we all have a story about life and mine is pretty simple. In my early 20s, I decided to leave my birthplace of Eau Claire, Wis. and drive out to the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I packed up my red Ford Maverick with all of my life possessions; my camera, some clothes, and my camping gear. I worked in Yellowstone National Park for a season before settling in Boulder and there, I connected with nature, made some lifelong friendships, and explored my love of photography.

I chose Boulder, Colo., because it's a university town. I didn't really have a plan but I knew I needed to stretch my wings and leave home. That moment was so long ago and here I am...I never left.

Over the years I have lived in various cabins in the mountains surrounding Boulder and now, I live in Longmont near McIntosh Lake.

LHVC - Did you go to college?

MJW - In the early years of living here in Colorado, I had the intention of attending the University of Boulder to obtain a teaching degree, but life took me on a different path. I'm a passionate gardener and lover of plants, flowers, herbs, and food. I attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and Nutrition and completed part one of the program. The knowledge I gained from that experience I've applied to my own life and I've enjoyed sharing my insights with family and friends.

LHVC - What are your pastimes and hobbies?

MJW - I mentioned my love for gardening but I am also an amateur photographer. I began in high school and it's a big part of my relationship with life and the natural world. I want to get serious with it again and carve out time to create. I also love hiking and am a mountain adventure type person. I plan on getting out this season and exploring nature with friends.

LHVC - Tell us a bit about your family.

MJW - I'm the youngest of four children. Both of my parents were born and raised in the northwestern corner of Minnesota, in the small town of Warren, in the Red River Valley. My parents were high school sweethearts and married in their early 20s. In their early married life, they lived in Fargo, ND, which is where my siblings were born. A job transfer for my dad took the family to Wisconsin. I was born in Eau Claire, Wis., and we settled into life there. Both of my parents had big families that we shared time with. We would gather for holidays, reunions, Fourth of July or just summertime. I grew up really appreciating the shared community of family, my neighborhood, and friends. It was the natural routine of life with my parents and now cherished memories.

LHVC - What types of jobs have you had?

MJW - In the early years of living here, I was a preschool teacher. I worked at a private school in Boulder, but also subbed for Boulder County. Since I wasn't making a good income, I needed a supplemental job. I found a job as a barista working weekends at Penny Lane Coffeehouse. As it turns out, I quit the teaching job to work full-time at the legendary coffee house and eventually became the general manager. I continued working there for 18½ years until it closed in 2005. At this point in my life, I really enjoyed working and being a part of a cafe and its community.

Unemployed, I wandered into Folsom Street Coffee, in Boulder. I sat at the bar and ordered my Americano and a bowl of hearty soup. I met the owner, Chris Warner, and asked if he needed any part-time baristas. Chris knew I had experience from Penny Lane, so I felt fortunate he hired me on the spot.

Then in 2007, Chris decided to pursue a rental space here in Niwot to open a community coffeehouse. He asked me if I would manage this new space. I agreed and here we are today at Winot Coffee.

It wasn't the planned or intended life I had envisioned for myself, but it sure has been an incredible one. The relationships I have built from my life experiences and the stories of life I hold in my heart from all the people I cross paths with have made my life richer. Niwot is a special community to be a part of and Winot Coffee is what makes it special for me.

If you have a suggestion for a Familiar Face in Niwot or Gunbarrel, please send a message to [email protected].