Hi, I’m Natalie.

I grew up right here in Columbia and went to highschool down the street. I have walked Columbia pathways for more than 40 years, and after leaving for a while, I found my way back home.

Today, I'm raising my own family here with my husband, our two girls, and our Shih Tzu—who is convinced he's in charge of all of us.

This place made me, me. The Occasional Café is my little way of giving something back.

I remember growing up with coffee shops, poetry nights and places where people could gather. Those memories have stayed with me, and they're part of what I hope to create here—a place where people can slow down, make things just because they feel like it, talk to each other, sit alone, try something new, be a little weird, and stop feeling like every minute needs to be productive.

There's a little woo behind this place, too. Reiki, meditation and learning to trust my intuition have become a meaningful part of my life.

The Occasional Café came together through a series of synchronicities—people, opportunities and moments aligning in ways I couldn't have planned. The more I paid attention, the more things seemed to fall into place.

So I followed them.

And somehow, they led me here—back home, opening a little café in the community that raised me.

I don't know exactly what The Occasional Café will become. I want the people who walk through the door to help shape it.

If you have an idea for bringing people together—an art show, a poetry night, a workshop, a gathering, something for kids, or something I haven't even thought of yet—reach out. I want to hear it.

In Gratitude,

Natalie