Hey neighbor,
Every once in a while I sit down with someone in our county and walk away knowing — this is why I do this newsletter.
That's exactly what I felt when I went inside Brightside Cafe in Downtown Buford to sit down with the two incredible women behind it, Jennifer and Carrie. I knew I'd love the conversation. I didn't expect to leave with my heart full and my eyes a little wet.
The episode is live. Go watch it. Then go meet them.
— Gus
3 MOMENTS I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT
🚴 The Ryan Story (13–17 min) — A 21-year-old riding his bike through Buford, kicked out of places because nobody understood him. Jennifer literally raced him down Main Street to land him a job at Off the Rails. He's now been featured on Star 94 and Atlanta Live News. I cheered out loud.
💛 Kayla's "I'm Proud of Myself" Moment (around 40 min) — A new hire flipped out on her first rush, then came back to the counter and said five words that brought her dad to tears. This is what Brightside is really about.
🏪 The B.E.A.N. Vision (around 35 min) — Brightside isn't just a cafe. They're launching the Brightside Empowerability Network — a four-week course teaching local businesses how to hire adults with special abilities. This is bigger than coffee.
☕ NOW GO VISIT THEM
Here's my call to action this week — and I mean it:
Go to Brightside Cafe. Order a coffee. Meet the team.
📍 554 W Main St NE, Buford, GA 30518
🕐 Tue–Fri 7 AM – 4 PM • Sat 8 AM – 2 PM
A $6 cup here doesn't just buy you a latte — it employs someone in our community who wants to work, wants to belong, and is becoming who they were made to be.
If you can't make it this week, mark October 4th for their Brightside Games — the most fun fundraiser in the county.
This is Gwinnett at its best. See you out there.
— Gus
P.S. — After you watch, hit reply and tell me what hit you the hardest. I read every one.
