Nestled in the corner of the coffee shop lounge at Founder’s Mercantile is a little built-in shelf. On that shelf sits an unassuming photo album full of pictures showing the progressive stages of the renovation of that very space. For the average patron, it’s probably a quaint little chronicle of transformation. For anyone like myself, who has a masochistic tendency to throw themselves into the deep end of projects and hope for the best…that little photo album is almost a traumatic experience.

 

As owner/operator, Tania Scruggs, calmly toured me through the pages all I could think was, “You’re so much braver than I am.” 

 

It’s a clear depiction of a Homerian journey. It doesn’t take too much reading between the lines to imagine the sheer amount of adrenaline and cortisol that must have fueled Tania during the course of establishing Founder’s. The sleepless nights, the teary freak-outs when no one was looking, shouldering the weight of discouragement and uncertainty. The novel’s-worth of stressful subtext is clearly implied in just a few pages of snapshots.

 

Henri Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” And I feel like Tania has tested and verified that this is indeed a true statement. Which is precisely what makes her the perfect, empathetic usher of creativity for others. A mother of makers.

 

Her metal was forged in the thankless fires of motherhood and homesteading for 25 years. Volunteering at the schools, working the side jobs like Avon and Etsy- these years formed a particular kind of steel that is evident in Tania. A rare combination of perseverance and selflessness.

 

“Founder’s” truly is the perfect name for a place that fosters others in the founding of their own passions. Tania has proven herself to be one of the most tenacious founders of them all. What might appear as a simple coffee shop and mercantile, doubles as a myriad of spaces for rent for local youth groups, therapists, artisans, and more.

 

 The old 1930’s bungalow has played host to many generative organizations in the past, from being The Chamber of Commerce to being a shared office space. But in my opinion, none have been quite so committed to tracking with the needs of the community and creating a practical space to see those needs served.

 

Throughout our time together, Tania would casually drop another tidbit about some major obstacle she faced in the course of construction. I found myself studying her, looking for the tell-tale signs of a broken spirit or jaded view of humanity. But every story was delivered with a gentle “that’s just life” sort of shrug. No big deal, just another health department hydra or permitting purgatory that had the potential to be the demise of her passion project. Her level of chill is either psychotic or heroic.

 

As with every hero’s journey, there came THE moment; the final test to pass. For Tania, this was an unexpected proposal just a few months prior to opening. She was approached by a gentleman, offering to deliver her from the throws of stress and uncertainty, offering to purchase the property at a price that would cover all of her costs to date.

Obviously, Tania did not succumb to the temptation of this siren song. “My husband said that this was my decision to make and asked me what I would be the most sad to lose if I took the deal,” Tania recalled that turning point moment, “I just couldn’t bring myself to give up the chance to gather people together in a place where they can connect and grow.”

 

The logo for Founder’s Mercantile is curiously, a pineapple. I’ve wondered about its relevance since the installation of their sign in late 2022. “The pineapple symbolizes welcoming and hospitality,” Tania shared. It’s honestly perfect. Although in Tania’s case, I would suggest that the Founder’s pineapple is a badge of belonging, growth, and also great courage.